Remote Viewing video on Mobile App GuardViewer

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Guard Viewer

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9. Click +Add and Scan to scan the QR code on the NVR monitor (Right click on NVR monitor and choose Menu–> Network–> Basic–> P2P to get the QR code).

10. Type in a name for your device and click Start Live View on the bottom to view live video.

11. Select one camera and click  to enable audio.

11. Select one channel and rotate the phone to horizontal orientation to view video in full screen (Turn off the portrait orientation lock of your phone.)

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13. Click Playback on the bottom of the page to playback video.

2.What is the Default Password of the ONWOTE System?

3.The default password for your ONWOTE camera system is 123456 or 1234@abcd. If neither can work, please contact us at support@onwote.com to reset password.

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How to Playback

Remote Viewing video on Mobile App Elink Defence

1. Download “Elink Defense” on your mobile phone from Apple App Store or Google play

2. Find the device QR code on thebottom of the NVR. If you cannot find the QR code on the NVR, please right click your mouse on the NVR monitor, choose Menu–>System–>Network–>P2P to get theQRcode.

2. Find the device QR code on thebottom of the NVR. If you cannot find the QR code on the NVR, please right click your mouse on the NVR monitor, choose Menu–>System–>Network–>P2P to get theQRcode.

3. Open Elink, Tap on Log in/Sign up, tap Sign Up to register an account.
4. Tap on Sign up on the bottom.

5. Select Region, enter your email address, check in I have read and agree to <<Service Agreement>> and <<PrivacyPolicy>> .Tap on Send Code.

6. Select the icons in order to get a security code.
Tips: when checking notification code, please check both inbox and spam/trash folder.

7. Enter the security code, set a password click on Sign up.

8.Tap on Add Device. Scan the device QR code (Refer to step 2 to get the QR code).

9. Tap on OK, choose Cable Connection.

10. Set a name for the security camera system. Tap on OK.

11. Tap on the camera to view video. Tap on on the right side to view more cameras at the same time.

12. Tap on the video image, click on  to check audio. If your camera supports 2 way audio, please tap on the bottom to start 2 way audio.
13. Click Playback to check recordings.
14. Rotate the phone to horizontal orientation or tap to view video in  full screen.

System stuck on onwote logo

Please use a FAT32 format USB thumb drive(please right click on the USB drive, choose Properties to check the format), no more than 32GB to upgrade the NVR to fix this issue.

1. Please create a folder in the USB drive, name the folder as recover.

2. Please download the firmware Program.bin here and copy it to the recover folder you create in the USB drive:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Mu5Chlj3pIzk-am2RmFAyl51ixSnhswA/view?usp=drive_link

The folder must be “recover” and the firmware must be “Program.bin”. Please don’t change them.

3. Insert the USB disk into the USB port of the NVR. Power off the NVR and power on it again. NVR will upgrade itself automatically. Please don’t cut off power while upgrading

4. The upgrading may last for a few minutes, you will hear beep from the NVR once the upgrading is finished. Please unplug the USB disk, power off the NVR and power on it. The NVR will back to normal.

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View video on PC client software GuardStation 3

Please download the PC client software at:www.onwote.com
Support–> Download Center–> Software–> NVR3O….Series
Download the PC client software on Windows PC or MAC,install Guard Station.
Tips: If your MAC doesn’t allow to install the software, go to System Preference,
choose Security& Privacy, click Open Anyway to allow your MAC to install the
software.
a. Launch Guard Station and create an Administrator. Enter a password and click on
Next. Set security questions and click on OK.

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b. Login with the user you created. Go to Control Panel, click Device Management to add device.

c. Click Cloud Device and Register to register a cloud account (If you’ve already registered an account on your mobile app-Elink Defense or GuardViewer, login with that account directly).

d.Type in a username, select region, enter your email address,verification code and
set a password,click Register to sign up an account.

e. Click +Add to add device.

f. Input the Register Code and click on Add. Then set a name for your device and  click on OK.
(How to get Register code?-Right click on the NVR monitor,choose Menu–>Network–>Basic–>P2P to get the register code)

g. Go back to your PC client software- Guard Station, login with the account you registered.

h. Go to Live View and double click the device to view live video.

For audio cameras, move mouse to the channel to show up menu, click toplayaudio.

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How to troubleshoot if some of the cameras stopped working

1. Check the indicator light on the PoE port which connected with this camera.

2. If you can see blinking green light on the port. Please reboot your NVR to have a try. If rebooting cannot fix the issue, please contact us at support@onwote.com.

3. If you cannot see indicator light on poe port, please change a poe port and a cable to test the camera. if it still cannot work, the camera is defective.

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How to troubleshoot if the camera cannot work stably–keep going offline and online

1. Check the pins inside the connetor on camera tail.

2. If the pins were damaged or oxidised, please clean the pins to have a try. If it still cannot work, the camera is defetive.

This issue was caused by waterproof lid, please follow the picture below to re-install the waterproof lids of all your cameras to prevent more cameras from being damaged by water.

3. If the pins are good, but still cannot work stably. Please contact tech support at support@onwote.com to check the firmware.

Onwote NVR Cameras Devices FAQ

Why cannot playback multiple channels video at the same time

1. Right cliclk your mouse on the monitor choose Playback.

2. Click HD on the bottom right conner, change it SD.

3. Clcik Max. Cams on top left or select the cameras you need to play video.

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Why my system cannot record video

1. Go to NVR Menu–Storage–Hard Disk to check your hard drive status.

2. If hard drive status is Normal, Property is Read / Write. It means hard drive is working. Please go to Menu–Storage–Recording to check your record settings.

3. if hard drive starus is Abnormal. Please check in hard drive, click Format to format it again. If formatting cannot fix the issue. Hard drive is defective.

4. If there is no hard drive information on this page. Please double check whether your NVR has a pre-installed hard drive. If there is a hard drive inside NVR, please

unscrew top cover of your Nvr, unplug hard drive from NVR and plug back again to have a try. If still no luck, the hard drive is defective.

Some of the cameras don’t display on NVR monitor

If your cameras are working properly and you can get video on phone/computer, but cannot get video on your monitor, please go to NVR Menu–System–Preview to

check your camera view.

Make sure all the cameras are added in the windows.

Get “Device has been registered ” error while adding device on GuardViewer

One device can only be added in one account. If the device was added in other account before, you will get error”Device has been registered”.

Go to NVR Menu–Network–Basic–P2P, click Unbind current account or Delete on the botton of the page to unbind the old account. Then add device on your phone again.

https://youtu.be/XXhdVYqZN4o?si=s07UPCc-ubgHQzhI

How to play the video downloaded from NVR

Download VLC player and play video using VLC player:  https://www.videolan.org/vlc/index.en_GB.html

How to resolve the issue of the camera(YM series cameras) not switching to daytime mode？

1. Right click your mouse on NVR monitor, choose Menu—Network—TCP/IP to get the IP address of your system.

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2. Please login this IP address using browser on computer/laptop.

Username: admin  Password: the password you set for the security system

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3. Choose Setup—Camera, click Access behind the cameras

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4. You will be forwarded to the camera login page.

Username: admin  Password: 123456

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5. Choose Configuration—Camera—Image. Please change the Light Off Sensitivity higher, then click Save to save changes. The higher you change, the earlier your camera will change to day mode.

How to fix the issue of NVR (Network Video Recorder) keeps rebooting?

1. Unplug the Ethernet cable from your router, power on your NVR to check whether it can work when it disconnected with the router.

2. If NVR can work after you disconnected the Ethernet cable from NVR, please right click your mouse on the monitor, choose Menu–Maintenance–System info.

Email support@onwote.com your NVR firmware version so we can help you upgrade NVR to fix this issue.

3. If step 1 doesn’t fix the issue. Please uncrew the top cover of your NVR, unplug the 2 cables from hard drive to check whether your NVR can work without hard drive.

If NVR can work without hard drive, please replace your hard drive. If NVR still cannot work, your NVR is defective.

Why I can only view video on phone with my local wifi?

1. Run GuardViewer or Elink on the mobile, delete the device you added.

2. Right click your NVR mouse, choose Menu–System–Network–P2P to get the NVR QR code.

4. Go back to GuardViewer or Elink,follow the guide below to resgiter account and add device by scanning NVR QR code.

GuardViewer: https://youtu.be/JlJK7AZ75SE

Elink: https://youtu.be/CWe-2XKafHY

5. Try to view video remotely again.

How to do if my camera system doesn’t support Chrome or Edge

Only lastest version NVR can support Chrome and Edge. Please go to NVR Menu–Maintenance–System info to get your NVR firmware version.

Email your NVR firmware version to support@onwote.com to get latest version firmware.

How to reset PoE camera on browser

1. Right click your mouse on NVR monitor, choose Menu—System–Network to get the IP address of your system.

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2. Please login this IP address using browser on computer/laptop.

Username: admin  Password: the password you set for the security system

3. Choose Setup—Camera, click Advanced on the top.

4. Click Default on the right side of the camera to reset camera.

How to use your 8CH/16CH PoE system with PoE switch

1. Connect the PoE switches one by one, then connect one of the PoE switche and the NVR with the same router or network switch.

2. Change the cameras IP to the same segment with your router.

Right clcik your NVR mouse, choose Menu, click Camera on the left,. Slide download to the bottom, NVR will show you all the camera connected on the poe switch.

Click  on the right side of the camera to change the camera ip address, click Apply to save the changes.

e.g.: If the gateway of your router is 192.168.1.1, please change the camera’s IP to 192.168.1.X(X can be numbers from 50-100, but each camera has a different numbers).

3. Add cameras on NVR

BlackVue APP Features

– Explore

– Live View

– Video Playback

– GPS Tracking

– Reports

– Event Map

– Voice Call

– Video Backup / Live Event Upload

– Firmware update over the air

How to Install or Update the BlackVue App via Google Play/App Store

Get the latest features and ensure full compatibility by installing or updating your BlackVue (or Fleeta) app directly from Google Play or the Apple App Store. Follow these steps to download, install, and keep your app up to date for the best dashcam experience.

1. Installing the App for the First Time

For Android Devices (Google Play Store)

For iOS Devices (Apple App Store)

2. Updating the BlackVue App

Regular updates deliver new features, compatibility improvements, and bug fixes.

For Android (Google Play)

For iOS (App Store)

3. Tips and Troubleshooting

Tip: Always keep your app updated for security, performance, and access to the latest features.

Updating and installing the BlackVue or Fleeta app from a trusted store guarantees you receive genuine software, optimal security, and proper support for all dashcam models.

Essential App Settings and Optimal Environments

Setting up your BlackVue app with the right configurations and using it in the best environment help ensure a reliable connection, seamless video management, and full use of your dashcam’s features. Follow these guidelines for an optimal BlackVue app experience.

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1. Key App Settings to Check

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Account

Notifications

Camera Registration & Network

Storage & Video Management

GPS & Privacy

Firmware & Software Updates

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2. Recommended Environment & Best Practices

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3. Troubleshooting & Tips

By reviewing and regularly updating these essential settings, and using your BlackVue app in an optimized environment, you’ll enjoy a smoother, safer, and more reliable dashcam experience.

BlackVue App featuring BlackVue Cloud

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Compatible with most Wi-Fi BlackVue models. Cloud support for all Cloud-compatible dashcam models down to DR650GW Series

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BlackVue Viewer (Windows/Mac)

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Supports most recent BlackVue models.

Refer to the BlackVue Legacy Viewers tab below for support of older models/features.

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BlackVue Windows Viewer (v3.24)

Compatibility: Windows 7 and above.

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BlackVue Mac Viewer (v3.24)

Compatibility: Mac OS X 10.12 and above.

BlackVue Legacy App

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Compatible with DR650GW dashcams with firmware prior to version 2.000 and older Wi-Fi dashcams.

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BlackVue Legacy Viewer (Windows/Mac)

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BlackVue Legacy Viewer (SD Card Viewer)

Compatible with pre-DR650GW BlackVue models.
Note: this version lets you view recorded videos from your SD card and modify the settings of your BlackVue, as well as format the SD card.

BlackVue Legacy Windows Viewer

BlackVue Legacy Mac Viewer

FLEETA App

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The official FLEETA App. Compatible with most BlackVue models that support Wi-Fi.

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How to Play, Download, and Manage Recordings within the App or Cloud

Accessing, saving, and organizing your BlackVue dashcam recordings is easy through the BlackVue app or Cloud services. Follow this step-by-step guide to find, play back, download, and manage your video files with maximum convenience and control.

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Note: Screenshots in this guide are based on the BlackVue app and may vary slightly depending on your camera model or app.

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Playing back recordings

1. SD card recordings via BlackVue app (Wi-Fi or Cloud cameras)

NOTE:  The recordings mentioned in this section are files saved inside the camera’s SD card. Downloading such files will require the camera to be powered on.

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2. Live Event Upload Recordings via BlackVue app (Cloud cameras)

NOTE:  The recordings mentioned in this section are event and manual recording files automatically saved in the Cloud storage of a Cloud-activated camera. These files can be played even though the camera is turned off, as long as the mobile device is connected to the internet. Also, depending on your Cloud plan, the files in this storage will be automatically deleted after a number of days.

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3. My Drive Recordings via BlackVue app

NOTE:  The recordings mentioned in this section are manually saved recordings (all types) from the SD card and Live Event Upload Cloud storage. These files can be played even though the camera is turned off, as long as the mobile device is connected to the internet.

NOTE: If the file saved in My Drive is from the Live Event Upload storage, it will play in low resolution. If the file is from the camera’s SD card, the user will be given the video quality and video direction options before the recording will be played.

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Downloading recordings

1. Download from dashcam SD card via the app

Note: Recordings saved in the dashcam’s SD card can be downloaded both for WiFi and Cloud cameras. The difference is the range of access – for WiFi cameras is short-range connection and download; for Cloud cameras is remote access and download.

2. Download from Cloud Storage

Live Event Upload

Note: The recordings mentioned in this section are manually saved recordings (all types) from the SD card and Live Event Upload Cloud storage. These files can be downloaded even though the camera is turned off, as long as the mobile device is connected to the internet. Also, depending on your Cloud plan, the files in this storage will be automatically deleted after a number of days.

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My Drive

NOTE:  The recordings mentioned in this section are manually saved recordings (all types) from the SD card and Live Event Upload Cloud storage. These files can be downloaded even though the camera is turned off, as long as the mobile device is connected to the internet.

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3. Managing recordings via Windows or Mac

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When the SD card is recognized by the computer, the list of recordings will be displayed on the left panel of the program. You can double click the file you want to play from the list.

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Downloading Files

Click the three dots in vertical position to reveal the sub menu. Select Download to save recording files in your computer.

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Select individual files to download or click the tick box at top most part to select all recordings. Press Download and choose the directory where to save the files.

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Alternatively, you can move your mouse pointer to a file and press right click to reveal the submenu. Select Download to save that recording file in your computer.

Choose the directory (folder) where to save the file. Then click Select folder to download the file.

Deleting recordings

In the app (Cameras Tab)

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In the app (Cloud Storage Tab)

Live Event Upload Folder (Single Deletion)

My Drive Folder (Single Deletion)

Multiple Deletion of Files

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In the app (Account Tab)

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On a computer (PC Viewer)

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Tips for effective video management

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Troubleshooting

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Your BlackVue app and Cloud platform are powerful tools for securely playing, downloading, and managing all your dashcam videos. For persistent difficulties or if you experience missing files, ensure your app and firmware are fully updated, and consult BlackVue Customer Support for detailed help.

Connecting to Your BlackVue Dashcam through Seamless Pairing

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Seamless Pairing is a new game-changing feature for BlackVue users. It makes connecting to your compatible dashcam with the BlackVue App easier than ever.

Important: Seamless Pairing requires your dash cam to be compatible and updated with the latest firmware (see Compatible Models and Firmware below)

Easier direct Wi-Fi connection

Without Seamless Pairing, users who want to access their dashcam’s files over Wi-Fi have to first connect to the dashcam from their phone’s Wi-Fi network menu. That means scanning available Wi-Fi networks, then manually entering the dashcam’s Wi-Fi password. Then, they can go back to the BlackVue App to access the dashcam via the “Connect to camera” menu. However, even after closing the BlackVue app, the phone stays connected to the dashcam, which can cause the users’ phone to lose internet connectivity.

With Seamless Pairing, the connection process is done right from the BlackVue app:

As a bonus, because the BlackVue App knows what dashcam model you are using, it will prompt you automatically when a firmware update is available for your dashcam. No more need to search and download the firmware manually from the Firmware download menu.

But that’s not the only advantage of Seamless Pairing, as it makes simpler to connect your dashcam to the Cloud too!

Simplified Cloud setup

NOTE: wondering where the SIM activation icon (formerly in the Wi-Fi connection menu) went? We moved everything related to Cloud connectivity to the “Connect to Cloud” menu.

Without Seamless Pairing, connecting your dashcam to the Cloud involves more steps that we would like. This is why Seamless Pairing is such a welcome feature. It makes the whole process as hassle-free and straightforward as possible. In fact, you no longer have to go to the “Connect to camera” menu. You can complete all the required steps straight from the “Connect to Cloud” menu of the app:

Compatible models and firmware

Although introduced with DR900X Plus, we have updated the firmware of past models (when possible) to support the feature.
DR900S and DR750S Series cannot support the feature in their hardware. However, the BlackVue App’s menus and steps to follow are similar.
Here is a list of models that support the feature:

What about models that do not support Seamless Pairing?

If you have a BlackVue dash cam that does not support Seamless Pairing, what steps should you follow?

Overall, the direct connection process is similar and you will be able to keep your dashcam listed in the Cameras list of the “Connect to camera” menu, like this:

However, the first time you want to connect to your dashcam with the BlackVue App, we recommend doing what you usually do: connect to it over Wi-Fi first, in your phone’s Wi-Fi networks menu, then go back to the BlackVue App –> “Connect to camera” menu.
From now on, whenever you need to connect to your BlackVue, simply go directly to the Connect to camera menu and select your dashcam. You will be prompted to join your dashcam’s Wi-Fi network when doing so. No need to connect first from your phone’s Wi-Fi network menu anymore.

Tip to avoid losing internet connectivity on your phone:
Once your camera is added to the Cameras list of the “Connect to camera” menu, you can go back to your phone’s Wi-Fi network menu and select “Forget this network”

➕How to Add a BlackVue Camera

You can add a camera to the BlackVue app using one of the following three methods:

Please refer to the step-by-step instructions below for each method.

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Seamless Pairing (BT)

This is a simple registration method using your smartphone’s Bluetooth.

Supported models: All models

🔧 Steps

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⚠️ some models are not supported: DR590W-1CH/2CH, DR590X-1CH/2CH, DR650GW-1CH/2CH, DR650S-1CH/2CH, DR750S-1CH/2CH, DR900S-1CH/2CH, DR590X Plus-1CH/2CH

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QR Code Scan Method

This method allows you to register the camera by scanning the QR code printed on the camera packaging.

Supported models: ELITE and 590X Plus series

🔧 Steps

✅ Note: The camera’s default settings may differ from your local time zone and language. You can change these in the Camera Settings menu.

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Manual Registration (Wi-Fi)

This method allows you to manually register the camera by entering its Wi-Fi information.

Supported models: All models

🔧 Steps

✅ Note: The camera’s SSID and password are printed on the device itself or on its packaging box.

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Dashcam Registration (Fleeta)

What is Dashcam Registration?

Registering your dashcam means linking it to your FLEETA account so that you can view its information and video footage via the app and web viewer. Only registered dashcams can be managed, assigned to groups, or used for cloud upload.

Before Registration

Registration Steps

1. Tap ‘+ Camera’

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2. Select the Dashcam to pair with

3. Tap the Touch Seonsor

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4. Complete Registration

The camera is successfully registered and ready to go.

Adding and Removing Cameras: Registration Step-by-step

Adding and removing dashcams from your BlackVue account is straightforward and gives you control over your fleet, family, or personal devices. Use these instructions to securely register a new camera, remove an old one, and manage your camera list with confidence.

Note: Screenshots in this guide are based on the BlackVue app and may vary slightly depending on your camera model or app.

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How to add a camera to your account

1. Prepare your dashcam for registration

2. Open the BlackVue app

3. Access the camera registration section

4. Register your camera

5. Confirm and finish

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How to remove a camera from your account

*If the camera is being transferred to a new owner, advise them to register it under their own account after removal.

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Troubleshooting registration issues

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Tips for seamless management

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Registering and removing dashcams regularly keeps your BlackVue account organized and ensures you have access to every feature for each of your vehicles. For persistent connectivity or device errors, contact BlackVue Customer Support.

Understanding Camera Status Icons

Camera status icons in the BlackVue app and web viewer help you monitor your dashcam’s current state—whether it’s connected, disconnected, in parking mode, or unregistered in the Cloud. This guide explains what each icon means, so you can quickly recognize your dashcam’s condition and resolve common issues.

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Note: Screenshots in this guide are based on the BlackVue app and may vary slightly depending on your camera model or app.

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Types of camera status icons

BlackVue uses different icons and colors to indicate the status of each registered camera in your account:

Icon/Status	What it means	Typical appearance
Cloud connected	Dashcam is online, connected to Cloud, sending data	Blue cloud icon
Cloud (parking mode)	Online, Cloud connected, and in parking mode	Blue cloud icon
Cloud disconnected	Dashcam is offline, not connected to Cloud	Grey cloud icon
Wi-Fi only	Connected to Wi-Fi but not registered in the Cloud	Wi-Fi icon only

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Icon meanings in the app

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Feature availability by status

Most advanced features—like push notifications, GPS tracking, and live video uploads—require a Cloud-connected status.

When the camera is disconnected from the Cloud, Settings and Firmware Update Download is still possible. However, the changes to the settings and the firmware update will be applied when the camera connects to the Cloud.

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Troubleshooting and usage tips

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Understanding these icons makes it easy to manage your BlackVue dashcams, monitor connection health, and fully utilize all features. For persistent status problems or unclear icons, refer to your camera’s manual or contact BlackVue Customer Support.

I. Introduction: The New Era of Desktop Video Management

As we navigate through 2026, the landscape of digital surveillance has undergone a radical transformation. We have officially moved past the era of “passive recording”—where footage was only reviewed after an incident occurred—into the era of proactive AI analysis. Modern surveillance is no longer about just storing terabytes of data; it is about the software’s ability to understand that data in real-time, identifying threats before they escalate.

While mobile apps have become increasingly popular for quick check-ins, the professional-grade monitoring environment still firmly resides on the desktop. The reason is simple: processing power and screen real estate. Managing thirty 8K camera feeds while simultaneously running complex neural network algorithms requires the heavy-hitting hardware of a dedicated workstation. A smartphone screen simply cannot provide the situational awareness required for high-stakes security, nor can its mobile processor handle the concurrent AI metadata tagging that defines 2026 standards.

Our objective in this guide is to help you navigate a market that is more crowded than ever. Whether you are a homeowner looking to protect your family or an IT manager overseeing a multi-national corporation, finding software that balances high-end security, massive scalability, and intuitive ease of use is paramount. We have tested the leading contenders to bring you the definitive list of the best CCTV desktop software available today.

II. Key Criteria for Selecting CCTV Software in 2026

In 2026, the “table stakes” for Video Management Software (VMS) have shifted. If a software package doesn’t offer the following four pillars, it is already obsolete.

AI and Neural Network Integration

Simple motion detection—the kind that triggers an alert every time a spider crawls across the lens—is a thing of the past. Modern software utilizes object classification to distinguish between a human, a vehicle, an animal, or a delivery package. Furthermore, 2026 marks the rise of behavioral analytics. Leading software can now detect “loitering” (someone standing in a restricted zone for more than 30 seconds) or “fall detection” in healthcare settings, sending high-priority alerts based on context rather than movement.

Universal Compatibility

The “walled garden” approach is dying. The best software in 2026 supports ONVIF (Profile S, G, T, and M), RTSP, and the now-ubiquitous Matter-enabled security devices. This allows users to mix and match hardware from different manufacturers—using a high-end Axis thermal camera alongside a consumer-grade Reolink doorbell—all within a single unified desktop interface.

Resource Efficiency

With 8K resolution becoming the standard for high-end installations, the sheer volume of data is staggering. Efficient software must leverage AV1 and H.265+ hardware decoding. We look for solutions that utilize the GPU (NVIDIA Tensor cores or AMD AI accelerators) to handle video processing, leaving the CPU free to manage the database and system logic. Without this efficiency, even a high-end PC will stutter under the weight of a dozen high-bitrate streams.

Cybersecurity Protocols

As surveillance systems are increasingly targeted by state-sponsored actors and hackers, Zero Trust architecture is mandatory. This means the software should support end-to-end encryption for both “data at rest” (stored footage) and “data in transit” (streaming). Multi-factor authentication (MFA) and automated security patch management are no longer optional features; they are essential requirements for any professional installation.

“In 2026, the vulnerability of a security system isn’t usually the camera hardware; it’s the software’s failure to implement modern encryption standards.” — Security Systems Analyst, 2026 Global Tech Summit

III. The Top 5 CCTV Desktop Software Solutions for 2026

After rigorous testing in residential, commercial, and industrial environments, these five platforms have emerged as the leaders of the pack.

1. Blue Iris 6 (The Power User’s Choice)

Blue Iris has long been the darling of the “prosumer” community, and version 6 cements its status. It offers a level of granularity that no other software can match. In 2026, Blue Iris 6 has integrated a new AI Macro Engine, allowing users to script complex logic (e.g., “If Person detected at Gate AND Garage Door is Open, then Play Audio Warning and Flash Floodlights”).

• Pros: Unrivaled customization, supports almost any IP camera, massive community plugin library.
• Cons: Steep learning curve; the interface can feel overwhelming for beginners.

2. Milestone XProtect (The Enterprise Gold Standard)

For large-scale operations, Milestone XProtect remains the undisputed king. Its modular architecture allows it to scale from a single office to a multi-site global enterprise with thousands of cameras. The 2026 update includes “Federated Architecture,” allowing a central command center to view feeds from satellite offices with near-zero latency, even on restricted bandwidth.

• Pros: Extreme scalability, rock-solid stability, excellent technical support for corporate clients.
• Cons: High cost of entry; requires a certified integrator for complex setups.

3. Digital Watchdog Spectrum (The Best UI/UX)

If you value user experience above all else, DW Spectrum is the winner. Its “Fluid” interface allows you to drag and drop cameras, resize windows on the fly, and scrub through timelines with a level of smoothness that feels like using a high-end video editor. In 2026, their “Smart Search” feature allows you to highlight an area on the screen and instantly see all movements that occurred in that specific box over the last 48 hours.

• Pros: Most intuitive interface on the market, very low resource overhead, cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux).
• Cons: License fees can add up for large camera counts.

4. Scrypted NVR (The Smart Home Specialist)

Scrypted has disrupted the market by focusing on the smart home ecosystem. It is the premier choice for users who want their professional cameras to show up in Apple Home (HomeKit Secure Video), Google Home, or Alexa. The 2026 desktop version provides a high-speed local NVR capability that bridges the gap between professional security and consumer convenience.

• Pros: Best-in-class integration with smart home hubs, ultra-low latency “instant-on” viewing.
• Cons: Requires some technical knowledge of “Homebridge-style” configurations.

5. Frigate AI (The Open-Source Innovator)

For the privacy-conscious user, Frigate AI is a revelation. Built on an open-source foundation, Frigate uses local AI processing (often via a Google Coral TPU or NVIDIA Jetson) to ensure that no video data ever leaves your local network. It is designed around the concept of “Real-time Object Detection,” making it incredibly fast at identifying intruders.

• Pros: 100% local and private, no monthly subscriptions, very efficient AI processing.
• Cons: Requires more hardware setup (e.g., purchasing a TPU); configuration is done via YAML files (no GUI for initial setup).

IV. Advanced Features: Moving Beyond Basic Monitoring

The best software of 2026 differentiates itself through “Forensic” and “Predictive” capabilities that were science fiction just a few years ago.

Edge Computing & Local Processing

To reduce cloud latency and bandwidth costs, 2026 software utilizes Edge Computing. The software communicates with the camera’s onboard processor to perform initial analysis. The desktop VMS then aggregates this data, only pulling the full high-resolution stream when an actual event is detected. This hybrid approach allows for massive camera arrays on standard network infrastructure.

Forensic Search Capabilities

Imagine needing to find a specific event in a month’s worth of footage. In 2026, you don’t watch the video; you search the metadata. You can type “Red SUV” or “Person with blue backpack” into the search bar, and the software will instantly pull up every clip matching those descriptors. This is made possible by the software’s ability to tag every frame with AI-generated descriptors in real-time.

Hybrid Cloud Storage

While the desktop remains the “brain,” the cloud has become the “safety net.” The best 2026 solutions offer Hybrid Cloud Storage. Critical events (like a detected break-in) are instantly uploaded to an encrypted off-site server, while 24/7 continuous recording stays on your local high-capacity hard drives. This ensures that even if a thief steals the NVR, the evidence is already safely in the cloud.

V. Hardware Requirements: Optimizing Your Workstation

Software is only as good as the hardware it runs on. To run 2026’s top-tier VMS solutions, your desktop needs specific optimizations.

• GPU Acceleration: This is non-negotiable. An NVIDIA RTX 50-series (or equivalent) is recommended for its Tensor cores, which handle the heavy lifting of AI object detection and AV1 decoding.
• Storage Strategies:
  • OS/Database: Use a high-speed NVMe Gen5 SSD. The database that tracks AI events needs to be incredibly fast to allow for instant searching.
  • Video Archives: Use dedicated surveillance drives like WD Purple Pro or Seagate SkyHawk AI. These are designed for 24/7 write cycles and have firmware optimized for video streaming.
• Network Infrastructure: With 8K streams, a standard Gigabit network will saturate quickly. 2026 professional setups require 2.5GbE or 10GbE networking to ensure that high-bitrate video doesn’t drop frames during critical moments.

VI. Practical Case Studies

Case Study A: The Smart Retailer

A high-end boutique in London implemented Digital Watchdog Spectrum combined with behavioral AI. By analyzing heatmaps, the owner discovered that customers were ignoring the back-left corner of the store. By moving a popular display to that area, sales increased by 18%. Additionally, the system’s “loitering alert” notified security of a known shoplifter before they even entered the premises.

Case Study B: The High-Security Residence

A homeowner used Scrypted NVR to integrate professional 4K cameras with their Apple Home setup. When the AI detected a “Person” on the perimeter after 11:00 PM, the software automatically triggered the smart landscape lighting to turn red and broadcast a pre-recorded message. The intruder fled before ever reaching the front door.

Case Study C: The Multi-Site Industrial Complex

A logistics company with three warehouses used Milestone XProtect to centralize their security. Using the “Command Center” desktop view, a single security guard was able to monitor all three locations. The software’s AI automatically flagged “unauthorized vehicle” entries across all sites, allowing the guard to focus only on genuine threats rather than staring at 100 static screens.

VII. FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run 2026 CCTV software on an older PC?

It depends on your expectations. While you can run basic recording on an older i5 processor, you will not be able to utilize the AI features or decode high-resolution 8K streams effectively. For 2026 standards, a CPU with at least 8 cores and a dedicated AI-capable GPU is highly recommended.

Is subscription-based software better than a one-time license?

Subscription models (SaaS) usually offer better ongoing security updates and cloud integration. However, a one-time “perpetual” license (like Blue Iris) is often more cost-effective over a 5-year period. You must weigh the “Total Cost of Ownership” (TCO) against your need for the latest features.

Do I need a constant internet connection for these desktop apps?

One of the main advantages of desktop software is offline functionality. Most of the solutions listed (especially Frigate and Blue Iris) can operate 100% locally. You only need the internet for remote viewing or cloud backups.

How do I protect my CCTV feed from being hacked?

First, never use “Port Forwarding.” Instead, use a VPN (like WireGuard) or a Zero Trust Tunnel (like Cloudflare) to access your cameras remotely. Ensure your VMS software has MFA enabled and keep your cameras on a separate VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) isolated from your main computers.

VIII. Conclusion: Future-Proofing Your Surveillance Strategy

The “Best” software is ultimately the one that fits your specific use case. To summarize our 2026 picks:

• For the Home Enthusiast: Choose Blue Iris 6 if you love to tinker, or Scrypted NVR if you want seamless smart home integration.
• For Small to Medium Businesses: Digital Watchdog Spectrum offers the perfect balance of ease-of-use and professional features.
• For Enterprise & Industrial: Milestone XProtect remains the gold standard for reliability and massive scale.
• For Privacy Advocates: Frigate AI is the clear winner for local-only, open-source AI processing.

Investing in high-quality desktop software is the most critical link in your security chain. In 2026, cameras are just the “eyes,” but the software is the “brain.” By prioritizing platforms that offer regular security patches, AI-driven analytics, and universal compatibility, you ensure that your surveillance strategy remains effective for years to come.

Ready to secure your property? Start by auditing your current hardware and choosing a software trial from the list above to experience the power of AI-driven surveillance firsthand.

Where to Download the SimpliSafe® App

The SimpliSafe® Mobile App is available through the Google Play Store for Android devices, or through the App Store for iOS devices (iPhone, iPad). If you want to access your system from a computer, use our Web App.​

Click here to download on Google Play

Click here to download on the App Store

The SimpliSafe® Mobile App is currently compatible with:

SimpliSafe® System and Wi-Fi Requirements

App Requirements:

The SimpliSafe® system can be set up using your Keypad, however, our cameras will require using the SimpliSafe® Mobile App on a compatible Android or iOS device. The SimpliSafe® Mobile App is currently compatible with:

Network Requirements:

Out of the box, the Base Station and cameras are designed to connect to most Wi-Fi networks, however, some networks may require additional configurations to be compatible. Below is a small list of requirements and recommendations to optimise your network for usage with your SimpliSafe® Security System.

Unsupported Network Setups:

Critical Alert Troubleshooting for iOS

Some iOS (Apple) users may not see the option to enable Critical Alerts within the SimpliSafe® Mobile App. You can turn on Critical Alerts by taking the following steps:

Securing Your SimpliSafe® Account

At SimpliSafe®, we take protecting your information as seriously as we do protecting your home. To help us keep you protected, we’ve implemented Account Verification with 2-Step Verification and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all new accounts. This means that any time you log into your account with a new device, or renew your login on the same device, you’ll need to confirm that login through a different point of contact. So even if someone knew your email and SimpliSafe® password, they still wouldn’t be able to access your account without your permission.

2-Step Verification

2-Step Verification is required for your SimpliSafe® account and is enabled when you first set it up. When you log in to a device with your SimpliSafe® username and password, you’ll receive an email. To confirm the login, you need to open that email and click the Verify Device button.

2-Step Verification is set up for the email address we have for your account. To update your email address for your SimpliSafe® account, you will need to log into your account in our Web App.

To learn more about 2-Step Verification, visit the 2-Step Verification for SimpliSafe® Accounts article in our Help Centre.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) allows you to confirm access to your SimpliSafe® account through a registered phone number. You can register multiple phone numbers to authenticate your SimpliSafe® account for use on different devices.

Note: Enabling MFA will replace 2-Step Verification.

To learn more about Multi-Factor Authentication and how to enable it, please see our Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for SimpliSafe® Accounts article.

Biometric Authentication

When logging into the SimpliSafe® Mobile App, you may be prompted to set up Biometric Authentication. In order to be eligible for this feature you will need to have an iOS device that supports Face ID or Touch ID, or an Android device that supports Face Unlock or Fingerprint.

For more details about Biometric Authentication and how to set it up, see our Biometric Authentication for SimpliSafe® Accounts article.

Snooze Notifications for SimpliSafe® Cameras

Tired of motion notifications from your camera when you’re doing garden work or hanging with friends, and don’t want to have to disable your camera for a reprieve? With Snooze Notifications, you’ll be able to temporarily pause receiving notifications on your device for a set period of time, such as 30 or 60 minutes. This feature is available for all SimpliSafe cameras and can be enabled on a per camera basis. Once paused, you must wait for the snooze to expire to receive notifications again.

Snoozing your notifications does not impact your camera, recordings and events will still be captured per your settings and added to your timeline within the app when using this feature. You will also still receive important alerts, such as if an alarm event were to occur.

To use Snooze Notifications on iOS or WatchOS:

When a push notification appears, press and hold the notification until the Snooze options are shown.

Troubleshooting

The SimpliSafe® App for the Apple Watch works as a companion app, this means that it is a remote control for the SimpliSafe® Mobile App on your iPhone. If you cannot successfully snooze your camera’s notifications from your Apple Watch, make sure that your Apple Watch and iPhone are no more than 30 feet away from each other and that the SimpliSafe® Mobile App was recently opened on your iPhone. For more information, visit our How to use Your Apple Watch With SimpliSafe® article.

To use Snooze Notifications on Android or compatible Smart Watches:

Tap the arrow on the top right of the push notification to expand, and the options will be revealed.

What Does “Push Notifications are Disabled” or “Communication Unsuccessful” Mean?

iOS users may see a “Push Notifications are Disabled” error, and Android users may see a “Communication Unsuccessful” error when trying to enable push notifications on a new SimpliSafe account.

A single phone can only receive push notifications from one system. If you log out of one SimpliSafe account with push notifications enabled and then try to enable push notifications on a different account using the same device, this error will appear.

How To Remove This Error

To remove this error, delete the SimpliSafe mobile app from your device and reinstall it. This will allow you to set up push notifications on one of your systems.

App Error: Your connection is not private

Some Android users may receive an error message reading “Your connection is not private” when trying to log in to the SimpliSafe mobile app. This is due to your browser’s Lets Encrypt Root certificate expiring.

To fix this issue you will need to set Mozilla Firefox as your phone’s default internet browser.

Setting Firefox as Default Browser

Biometric Authentication for SimpliSafe® Accounts

When logging into the SimpliSafe® mobile app, you may be prompted to set up Biometric Authentication.

To be eligible for this feature you will need to have an iOS device that supports Face ID or Touch ID, or an Android device that supports Face Unlock or Fingerprint.

Once Biometric Authentication is configured, you’ll only need to enter your email address and use Biometric Authentication to log in on this device. For other devices or when using the Web App, you will still need to enter your password and may be prompted for 2FA or MFA authentication.

You can manage Biometric Authentication at any time on the SimpliSafe® App.

2-Step Verification for SimpliSafe® Accounts

2-Step Verification is a required element for your SimpliSafe® account and is enabled when you first set it up. When enabled, this feature will send you an email after you log into your account asking to verify your device to ensure that no one is able to access your account without your permission. This occurs upon any new login to a device or during a renewal of login to a device (approximately every 30 days). So, even if someone knew your email and password for your SimpliSafe® account, they wouldn’t be able to get in.

2-Step Verification is set up for the email address we have for your account. To change your email, follow the steps below:

Why Can’t I See All of My System Locations in the Mobile App?

If you have a SimpliSafe® system at multiple locations, you may notice that you aren’t able to select a location or see all of them within the mobile app. Oftentimes, this is due to the display size of your screen.

How to Locate All of Your Locations on the Mobile App

1.Tap the house icon in the upper right corner of the app to open the location menu

2.Scroll down in the app, which will allow you to see all of your locations

If you are having trouble scrolling in the locations menu, it may help to adjust the zoom and font size settings on your device.

How to Adjust the Zoom and Font Size on iOS (iPhone)

How to Adjust the Zoom and Font Size on Android

Dark Mode for the SimpliSafe® Mobile App

Dark mode is a great way to give your eyes a break, by swapping bright white backgrounds for gray and black ones.

You can now enable dark mode for the SimpliSafe® Mobile App on your iOS or Android phone or tablet.

To enable or disable dark mode:

TIP! If you are not seeing Dark Mode as an option, please ensure that you are running the latest version of the SimpliSafe® Mobile App.

What Does “Invalid Base Station Serial” Mean?

When adding a Base Station to your system, you may run into an “Invalid Base Station Serial” error message in the SimpliSafe® Mobile App. This could be due to one of two reasons:

While setting up your new system

During the initial set up of your Base Station, you may see the “Invalid Base Station Serial” error message. This generally occurs when the Base Station’s serial number has been entered incorrectly. Closely check the serial number printed on the bottom of your Base Station. We recommend paying attention to characters that seem similar to others, like 1 and I, 2 and Z, and 3 and E.

To avoid typing in the Base Station’s serial number incorrectly, try using your smartphone to scan the QR code on the bottom of the Base Station to set it up successfully.

During a Base Station Replacement

If you see an “Invalid Base Station Serial” error message while completing a Base Station replacement, that could mean that we’re missing some of your account information. If you are subscribed to a paid monitoring plan, you can resolve this issue by taking the following steps:

How to activate app control

What is app control?

App control allows all SimpliSafe® users to have access to all features of your plan: the ability to arm and disarm your system from the app, set up push notifications, and more!

Requirements

To activate app control for your system, you will need to connect your system to the app. You’ll also need to connect your system to Wi-Fi as part of the process.

Getting Set Up

Once you’re ready, head over to the SimpliSafe® App. Outlined below are some of the key steps to help you get set up.

In the app, you should be greeted with a couple of options right on the home screen. Select Set Up a Security System.

Select Scan QR Code to use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code on the bottom of your Base Station—or select enter serial number manually to type it in yourself.

Select a plan. You can take this opportunity to switch to a new plan or, if you want to stay on your current plan, scroll down to the bottom of the page and select Decline 30-Day Free Trial. Then hit Yes to confirm.

You’ll be prompted to connect your SimpliSafe® system to Wi-Fi through the Keypad. If you’ve already done that, you’ll automatically be taken to the next step.

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Enter your 4-digit Master PIN to confirm the link.

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After pairing the app with your Base Station, you will have access to all the app control features of your plan: the ability to arm and disarm your system from the app, set up push notifications, and more!

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for SimpliSafe® Accounts

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) allows you to confirm access to your SimpliSafe® account through a registered phone number. You can register multiple phone numbers to authenticate your SimpliSafe® account for use on different devices.

Note: enabling MFA will replace 2-Step Verification. Once MFA is enabled, you will not be able to downgrade to 2-Step Verification at any point in the future.

To Enable Multi-Factor Authentication

How To Use Multi-Factor Authentication*

When it’s time to log into your SimpliSafe® account using either the SimpliSafe® Mobile App or Web App, you’ll want to take the following steps:

App Error: Internet Not Found

The app error “Internet Not Found” indicates that there is a Wi-Fi connection, however, there is not a connection to the Internet.

As a first step, you’ll want to confirm if other devices are able to reach the Internet – such as using a laptop to browse a website.

If you are not able to reach the Internet, the next step you can take is to reset your router. To reset your router simply unplug it from power for 30-60 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait several minutes and try accessing the Internet again.

If you are able to access the Internet after taking those steps, please begin the setup process for your camera again.

If you cannot access the Internet after rebooting your router, please contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for further troubleshooting.

SimpliSafe® System and Wi-Fi Requirements

App Requirements:

The SimpliSafe® system can be set up using your Keypad, however, our cameras will require using the SimpliSafe® Mobile App on a compatible Android or iOS device. The SimpliSafe® Mobile App is currently compatible with:

Network Requirements:

Out of the box, the Base Station and cameras are designed to connect to most Wi-Fi networks, however, some networks may require additional configurations to be compatible. Below is a small list of requirements and recommendations to optimise your network for usage with your SimpliSafe® Security System.

Unsupported Network Setups:

What does the signal strength next to my camera in the app indicate?

SimpliSafe® now indicates the WiFi signal strength in the App next to our latest generation of cameras, Smart Alarm Indoor Camera and Outdoor Camera, so that you can ensure that your camera will work when you need it most. This status represents the connection strength between your camera and your modem/router to proactively identify connection issues in order for you to troubleshoot as necessary.

If you see a Fair or Poor status on the SimpliSafe® Mobile App next to your camera, we recommend running a Connection Check to identify the issue(s) that might be occurring between your network and camera. The Connection Check will test your camera’s connectivity, and provide you with a list of steps you can take to try and improve your signal strength.

To run a Connection Check:

Good

Good indicates that your camera has a strong connection between itself and your network.

Fair

A fair connection indicates that there may be a problem with your network connection, however, most cameras can still operate without many issues in this state.

Poor

A poor connection indicates there is an issue with the connection between your camera and network. We recommend addressing it so that you do not encounter issues with live streaming from your camera.

Note: Our first generation of cameras, SimpliCam® Wired Indoor Camera and Video Doorbell Pro are not compatible with this feature.

Critical Alert Troubleshooting for iOS

Some iOS (Apple) users may not see the option to enable Critical Alerts within the SimpliSafe® Mobile App. You can turn on Critical Alerts by taking the following steps:

What Does “Device Connection Problem” Mean and How to Resolve It

The app error “Device Connection Problem” occurs whenever the SimpliSafe® Mobile App cannot reach your Base Station. This can happen if the Base Station is not connected to its Wi-Fi or cellular backup*, or if your smartphone has a poor signal.

*In order for the Base Station to connect to its cellular backup, you must be subscribed to either our Pro, Pro Standard or Pro Premium Monitoring plans.

Troubleshooting the Base Station’s Connection

As a first step, you’ll want to make sure that your Base Station has a strong connection to your Wi-Fi network or your nearest cell tower.

To rule out any interference that could impact the Base Station’s connection, make sure that it is at least 3 feet off the ground and is on a non-dense material like wood or glass. The Base Station should also be in an open-air area, not enclosed in a place like a cabinet or closet.

The Base Station will also experience connection issues if it is placed near any of the following devices:

Troubleshooting Your Smartphone’s Connection

If your smartphone has weak service, that can cause communication problems between it and the SimpliSafe® Mobile App. If you notice consistent service issues with your smartphone, please contact your carrier for further assistance.

This error can also be caused by a VPN or firewall blocking the SimpliSafe® Mobile App. If you have a VPN or firewall installed on your smartphone, try disabling it temporarily and then access the SimpliSafe® Mobile App again.

They are therefore modern antitheft tools that everyone wants to install in their premises. However, they also face challenges with data loss and you must be prepared to face them to ensure you are getting the best from your CCTV installation.

If you ever accidentally delete CCTV footage or lose them by chance, you should never lose hope. This is because there are several methods to regain deleted CCTV footage just like there are methods to recover deleted files from other storage devices.

In this article, we will show you some of the top methods to use in case you lost CCTV files and need to recover them. We will also show you how to recover deleted video from CCTV with data recovery software, one of the best methods we recommend you use when in urgent need to restore lost footages.

How Are CCTV Footages Lost?

Other than deletion, which can be intentional or accidental, there are many other ways people lose CCTV footages. Just for example, your old footages could be overwritten by new ones! Other ways you can loss footage include:

It is possible to recover lost data from all the scenarios listed above including accidental deletion. However, the success depends on the timing and the tools used. Although not listed, people can also lose CCTV footage from theft! If your CCTV gadgets are not properly or safely installed, they could also become victims of theft. In that case, you may not recover recordings unless you have a backup system for all your footages.

How to Restore Deleted CCTV Footage

Ideally, there are several methods to restore deleted CCTV footage. In this section, we will show you some of these methods including how to use data recovery software to restore deleted CCTV footage. Read on and be sure to choose only the best method or one that you can perfectly execute without requiring to engage a paid up professional.

Method 1: Restore Deleted CCTV Footage from Backup

This is probably the easiest and effortless way to recover deleted CCTV footage. It just shows you how important it is to back up all your files including CCTV footages. Whether these are footages for your business premises or just home area, you must regard all the files with high importance. Backing them up regularly will demonstrate how important the videos are to you.

If you have some form of backup already, check the folders where the footage was backed up and search for the files you need. You could search by date to make your search faster and more efficient.

Remember, backup can either be local or cloud-based. If you use local backups on your personal computer, it is easier and quicker to recover them. Still, cloud backups are easier to recover too. Cloud backup is however better as it gives you timeless access to your footages regardless of your location.

Method 2: Restore Deleted CCTV Footage with Command Prompt

You may have just realized that you do not have any backups for your footages. Not the end of it at all. You can still restore your CCTV footages after accidental deletion. This time, you will use the Control Command Prompt.

To proceed with this method, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Press “Win + R” to launch and run CMD.

Step 2: In the open window, type “cmd.exe” then tap “Ok.”

Step 3: Now type “chkdsk X:/f” in the command to check for bad sectors and hit Enter. You will need to replace letter “X” with the specific drive letter for the drive with your footage.

Step 4: Type “Y” if the drive is in use and hit Enter. In case you cannot see any prompt, go to the next step.

Step 5: Run the command “attrib – h -r -s/s/dH:*-*” and hit Enter to restore deleted footage.

Method 3: Restore Deleted CCTV Footage with Data Recovery Software

If you are still not able to restore the deleted CCTV footages with command prompt, then you may need a more versatile approach. Data recovery software is a better way to restore lost files from a wide range of storage devices including CCTV.

Disk Drill by CleverFiles is one such software. It is one of the best-rated popular video recovery solutions you can trust today. Built with powerful features including quick scan and file preview, the software is trusted by many for offering the highest success rates in the market today.

Some of the top features that make it the go-to data recovery software for virtually all scenarios include:

If you want to proceed with data recovery with the best video recovery software, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Begin by downloading and installing Disk Drill on your windows computer.

Step 2: If your CCTV camera uses an SD card, connect it to the windows computer.

Step 3: Double click on Disk Drill to launch it and choose the drive with your CCTV footage from the list of available volumes.

Step 4: Tap the “search” button to start scanning for deleted videos.

Step 5: Preview the displayed results at the end of the recovery process. Disk Drill also allows you to observe progress and stop scanning when the videos you want have been identified.

Step 6: Hit the “Recover” button to restore the selected footages.

Conclusion

While it is easy to restore deleted CCTV footage, we recommend backing up all your videos so that you do not find yourself in a compromising situation next time. Also, we encourage that you use Disk Drill immediately if you lose data to ensure you always have a higher recovery chance.

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How to Recover Deleted Files from a Dash Cam

Dash cams are very handy when it comes to recording road events. That is why it is now very common among many drivers. With the available types and models, you can easily choose suitable dash cams depending on your preferences.

However, like any other camera, they also require special attention and care to protect them from tear and wear. More importantly, you should protect them against data loss. Imagine getting yourself in an accident and you really need the video footage to defend an insurance claim only to be met with an error message – the video is nowhere to be found!

You don’t want to be part of this nightmare with lost dash cam footage. Although the process can be so complicated, the good news is that in many cases you will be able to recover deleted footage from dash cams.

We have prepared this guide to walk you through the process of recovering deleted dash cam files. We will make the process very simple and straightforward so that you have only a short time to comprehend and implement. You can also read about formatting SD card without losing your data here. Otherwise, read on to understand how to recover files from a dashcam and secure them.

How Do Dash Cams Store Footage?

Before attempting to recover deleted dash cam footage, it is important to first understand how they store video footage.

Generally, dash cams store video footage on microSD cards. The camera saves footages in a loop. This means that when the card is full, it overwrites older footage. Note that dash cams do not store footage the same way computers or phones store them.

Here, the files are split into smaller segments and the cam may store metadata separately from the video itself. This way, it may be very difficult to recover footage when lost due to any reason. This information is very crucial so that you know dash cam footage requires special care to avoid loss by whatever reason.

What Causes Lost Footage?

You might be asking yourself now – what causes lost footage? Ideally, other than accidental deletion, there are several other reasons that may lead to lost footage from dash cam. Some of these include:

Identifying the Type of Loss

Before you can begin any recovery process, it is advisable that you assess and identify the type of loss. It could be a loss caused by accidental deletion or disk corruption or other.

File corruption majorly occurs when your files are damaged or corrupted. Some of the factors that could contribute to disk corruption include a malfunctioning device or a power outage. Data recovery from such cases becomes very difficult but can still be executed using specialized data recovery software. Gross cases will require the services of a professional data recovery expert.

In this article, we focus on showing you how to recover deleted files. Accidental deletion happens when you unintentionally delete a file. There are higher chances of recovering deleted files but one must act swiftly and not wait for too long.

How to Recover Deleted Files from a Dash Cam

Method 1: Recover with In-Built Dash Cam Tools

Today, many dash cams are built with intuitive tools that support data recovery. You can easily use these tools to recover lost footage.

Look at the manual that came with your dash cam to find out if this feature is available. In some dash cams, there is an in-built file lock function. It protects important files from file overwrite or deletion making it easier to recover them. Simply unlock the file to recover lost footage.

Method 2: Recover with Software

Dash cam data recovery is also possible with data recovery software. If your cam did not come with in-built tools, try a good data recovery software. However, although there are many options available on the internet, you can only trust a few to do what they say they can do. Disk Drill is one of the best memory card recovery tool to try. With this tool, you will get quicker results and you can be sure to have the best recovery rate.

How to use it? Download and install the software on PC. Connect the dash cam or memory card to the PC. Launch the memory card recovery software and run disk scan. You will also get a preview of all your search results and can pause, continue or stop the search process midway as long as you have found what you are looking for.

Method 3: Recover with Professional Recovery services

There’s no way you are going to use Disk Drill and not get your files back. However, since you may be dealing with very crucial footage and do not want to gamble with lost videos as they can be standing in between you and a court case or even an insurance claim, we may recommend seeking professional services.

While these services can be very expensive, in some cases there is no guarantee of footage recovery either. But they are worth trying.

Whichever method you prefer to use, we recommend that you must act quickly. Do not wait too long after your footage is accidentally deleted. This is the only way you will increase the chances of your recovery.

How to Prevent Future Loss of Dash Cam Files

It is essential to regularly maintain your cam to ensure it always functions properly. You can also keep footage backups in safe storage areas just in case you lose them by accident from the dash cam. Below are some of the additional preventive measures:

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XMEye

XMEye is video monitoring software for IPC and DVR. With cloud technology, easy log in by the device’s serial number to show the live view monitoring video to Android phone and do operation accordingly.

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XMEye Pro

XMEye Pro is video monitoring software for IPC and DVR. With cloud technology, easy log in by the device’s serial number to show the live view monitoring video to Android phone and do operation accordingly.

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Latest JFTech XmEye Firmwares 2026

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Video Recorder Firmware (JFPro Style)

APP

Icsee

Network Intelligent Monitoring Device Management App

Scan to download

JLink

ftware customized specifically for VIOT devices.

Scan to download

XMEye pro

Network Intelligent Monitoring Device Management App

Scan to download

PC Software

VMS Pro

VMS Pro is an intelligent, user-friendly real-time preview and playback software suitable for various monitoring scenarios.

Click Download

Players, etc

player

H.264, H.265 video file dedicated player

Click Download

DiskPlayer

Read video files stored on the device’s hard drive and TF card

Click Download

DeviceManage Upgrade Tool

Device IP Search and Upgrade Tool

Click Download

VideoConver

Backup files in H.264 and H.265 formats are converted to AVI, MP4 formats.

Click Download

Product Manual

JFtech Module Manual

JFtech Module&motherboard manual

Click Download

JFtech Product Manual

JFtech Product Manual

Click Download

Please make sure the DVR system has been connected to your router via the Ethernet cable. You can check the network connection status from the Startup Wizard.

Get the Serial Number from Main Menu > System > Info. > Version or the QR code in Startup Wizard.

Download and Install the App

Search and download XMEye into your mobile device from App Store/Google Play or scan the QR codes below to download.

Tip:

An alternative option to download and install the App is to scan the QR code from the Startup Wizard.

Add the DVR System to the App

Launch XMEye App after installing, then follow these steps to add the DVR system.

Step 1:

Register an account with your email address. You will get a code by email to set a user name and password.

Step 2:

Log in to XMEye with your user name and password, then tap ‘+’ on the upper right corner. Enter the information required on the interface of Add Device, then tap OK to add the device.

Device Name:

Set a name for your DVR system

Serial Numer:

Get the serial number from Main Menu > System > Info. > Version or the QR code from Startup Wizard.

Username (Default is admin):

Enter admin if you did not change it in the Startup Wizard.

Password (Default is null):

Enter the password of DVR you set in the Startup Wizard. If it’s changed, please enter the new password.

Live Video

After successfully adding the DVR, it will be listed on the interface of Device List. Tap the icon and Start Preview to view the live videos from all channels.

Tips:

① A blue icon indicates the DVR system is online, while the grey one indicates it’s offline. You can tap to confirm the information you entered.

② Tap on the name of the device to list all the cameras, you can select some certain channels to preview.

Function Overview of the Live Video

• Tap to enter the detailed settings of the channel. You can set the record plan, alarms, and more here.

• Tap icon to capture a picture and save to your mobile device.

• Tap to start recording; tap it again to end and save the video to your mobile device.

• Tap to display the live video from one channel on the screen. You can slide it leftward to show the live video from another channel.

• Tap to display the live video from 4 channels on the screen, so do and .

• Tap to switch the image quality from SD to HD. SD is recommended for smoother streaming.

Video Playback

Tap on the interface of live video to play the video recorded in the Hard Disk Drive of the DVR system. Tap on the top right of Remote Video, it will switch to

• stands for one screen displayed on the interface, while indicates 4 screens.

• Tap to add another channel.

• Slide leftward or rightward on the timeline to check the videos recorded by time.

• Alarm Record stands for the videos recorded when the camera detected motion, human shape, or more.

Video Backup

Tap on the interface of Live Video, then tap Record Download to back up the videos to your mobile device.

Nest uses sensors, algorithms, and the location of your phone to do the right thing automatically, turning off the heat and turning on the camera when you leave. Forget to set the alarm? It will notice, and send you a Remind Me alert.

Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Thermostat E

Thermostats that program themselves to help you save energy.

– Change the temperature from the subway or the sofa using your phone.
– See how much energy you used, and why.
– View and edit your schedule.
– Get extreme temperature alerts before your home gets too cold.

Nest Secure alarm system

– Arm and disarm your home remotely from the app.
– Receive a Remind Me alert if you leave home and forget to set the alarm.
– Receive a security alert on your phone telling you what triggered the alarm – a door or window opening, or someone entering a room.

Nest Protect

The smoke and carbon monoxide alarm that thinks, speaks, and alerts your phone.

– Get an alert if Nest Protect senses smoke or carbon monoxide. (Requires Wi-Fi and a working internet connection.)
– Silence an alarm from your phone with App Silence. (Nest Protect 2nd gen only.)
– See the status of your batteries, sensors, and Wi-Fi connection.
– Run a Safety Checkup to test all your alarms at once. (Nest Protect 2nd gen only.)
– See your Safety History so you know when alerts happened and why.

Nest Cam IQ Indoor and Outdoor, Nest Cam Indoor, Nest Cam Outdoor, and Dropcam

The security cameras that let you see your home on your phone, inside and out.

– Get alerts when there’s activity, and talk back to get someone’s attention.
– See what you missed with snapshots of the last three hours.
– Check in 24/7 with crisp 1080p HD video (Nest Cam and Dropcam Pro only).
– Get person alerts (or familiar face alerts with Nest Cam IQ) and up to 30 days of video history when you subscribe to Nest Aware. (Subscription service sold separately.)

Nest Hello

Know who’s knocking.

– 24/7 video streaming means you’ll never miss a moment.
– Designed to show you everything at your doorstep – people head to toe, or packages on the ground.
– Knows the difference between a person and a thing.
– Notifies you about visitors, even if they don’t ring the bell.
– HD Talk and Listen lets you have a seamless conversation with someone at your door.
– When you can’t answer the door, quick responses let you reply to visitors with prerecorded audio messages.

Nest x Yale Lock

The lock for a more secure connected home.

– Instead of sharing keys, assign passcodes to people you trust in the Nest app.
– Get an alert when someone locks or unlocks the door.
– With Home/Away Assist and Auto-Lock, your door can lock itself when you leave.

Some features require a working internet connection, Wi-Fi, and/or Bluetooth.

You can place your Google Nest Cam Indoor (wired, 3rd gen) on a horizontal surface using the stand on its own, or on another surface using the mounting plate. To help you install your Nest camera correctly, we’ve prepared a series of clear installation steps.

What you’ll need for installation

Installation video

Step 1: Add your Nest camera to the Google Home app

To begin, set up your camera with the Home app. When the app asks you which product you’re adding, make sure that you select Nest Cam Indoor (wired, 3rd gen).

Step 2: Plug in your Nest camera

Place your Nest camera close to where you plan to use it. If you plan to mount it, wait until you’ve set up your Nest camera in the Google Home app.

Your device will play a chime and its light will turn blue once it’s connected to a power source. Wait for the Nest camera’s light to turn blue before you tap Next.

Step 3: Choose a location for your Nest camera

If the live video isn’t available or the video stream is interrupted, try to move your Wi-Fi router or Nest camera.

Step 4: Mount your Nest camera to the wall

Skip this step if you’ll place your device on a flat, horizontal surface instead.

4. Remove the wall plate.

a. Hold the top of the camera base with one hand.

b. Press against the bottom of the camera base with your other hand.

c. Twist 30° counter clockwise.

Step 5: Screw in the wall plate

Important:

Step 6: Position and attach your camera

Important: There should be a little space between the wall plate and the base to leave room for the wire.

Step 7: Adjust the camera angle

Important: Make sure the view includes the areas and level of details that you want, especially if you’re using familiar face detection.

If the Nest camera’s view is upside down, you can flip the view in Settings when you’re done with setup.

Step 8: Additional settings

Your Nest camera comes with Event Video Preview which saves what your camera detects from the past 3 hours. When disabled, you’ll only see the live video stream. Turning on event recording will also enable person detection.

To enable event recording, turn on Video recording.

Afterwards, you can adjust your microphone settings. If you turn off these settings, you’ll hear the audio of your live video stream but not in the saved video history.

To enable audio recording:

Troubleshooting

During setup, you may experience issues with:

To troubleshoot these issues, refer to Get more help with setup and installation.

Privacy issues

Depending on where you live, you’ll need to display a notice informing people that your Nest camera is currently recording video footage.

Set up your Nest camera in the Google Home or Nest app

If you have a new Google Nest camera or you need to re-add your camera, download the Google Home or Nest app.

You need the app to connect your camera to Wi-Fi and get recorded video. Use the app to guide you through setup and installation.

Before you begin

To begin setup, you need:

Important: You need to scan a QR code on the back or bottom of your camera when you add it to the app. To make sure you can access the QR code, connect your camera to the app before you install or mount it.

Step 1: Download or update the app you need

Depending on which camera model you have, use either the Google Home app or Nest app to set it up. Download the one you need from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

Use the Google Home app to set up the following Nest cameras:

Use the Nest app to set up the following Nest cameras:

Step 2: Add your camera to the app with the QR code

Choose the instructions that match the app you use to set up your camera.

Google Home app

Nest app

Add your camera to the Google Home app after setup

Tip: If you already signed into the Nest app with a Google Account, your Nest camera should automatically appear in your home in the Google Home app.

After setup in the Nest app, you can add your Nest camera to your home in the Google Home app. This lets you control your camera and other compatible connected devices, like a smart bulb or Google speaker in one place.

Learn how to set up smart devices in the Google Home or Nest app.

Step 3: Install your camera

The app gives you basic installation instructions to mount or install your Nest camera. If you need more tips for your camera, select your camera below for detailed instructions.

Get instructions for indoor cameras

Nest Cam Indoor (wired, 3rd gen)	Nest Cam (battery)
Nest Cam (wired)	Nest Cam IQ Indoor
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Nest Cam Indoor

Get instructions for outdoor cameras

Nest Cam Outdoor (wired, 2nd gen)	Nest Cam with Floodlight
Nest Cam Outdoor	Nest Cam IQ Outdoor
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Nest Cam (battery)

Step 4: Learn how to use your camera

To help you get started with your camera, we selected the most important articles you should read in our Get started using your Nest camera article.

Troubleshoot issues during setup

During setup, the app lets you connect your camera to Wi-Fi, personalize settings, check the video quality, and more.

If you have any issues, here are some quick tips.

Help messages and codes

Important: The interactive troubleshooting tool is only recommended if you use the Nest app to set up your camera.

If a help message with the code appears in the app, get detailed troubleshooting help from our interactive troubleshooting tool for Nest cameras and doorbells.

Connection issues

If you can’t find your Wi-Fi network, or if your camera has trouble with its Wi-Fi connection, here are a few things you can do to try and fix the issue:

For more tips, refer to Troubleshoot adding Nest camera to the app.

Power Issues

Signs that your camera doesn’t get enough power include the following:

Here are some things you can do to try to fix the issue:

Video quality issues

If your camera has video delays or lag, it’s usually a sign that the Wi-Fi connection is weak. It could also be a sign that your camera doesn’t have enough power. To fix the issue, try the following:

If your camera’s video is distorted, here are a few things you can try:

For more tips, refer to Troubleshoot Nest camera video distortion.

Set up smart devices in the Google Home or Nest app

Set up smart devices in the Google Home app or Nest app, including speakers, displays, thermostats, sensors, lights, and plugs.

Find your device below, then follow the instructions in the linked article. The setup process varies by device and app, so it’s important to follow the correct instructions.

Set up Google Nest devices with the Home app

If your Google Nest device isn’t listed in this section, check devices that need the Nest app.

Entertainment and media

Climate and energy

Wi-Fi

Cameras and doorbells

Set up Google Nest devices with Nest app

Important: Nest Protect only appears in the Nest app.

You need to set up some Google Nest devices with the Nest app before you can add them to the Google Home app. For instructions, select your product from the list:

Once you’ve set up these devices in the Nest app, they may link automatically in the Home app based on your settings.

To know if your devices linked automatically:

1.Close both the Nest app and Google Home app.

2.Open the Google Home app .

3.Check if the devices are listed under a room name or under “Local devices.” If they aren’t listed, you need to link them manually. Refer to the instructions in Connect third-party smart home devices in the Google Home app.

Set up third-party devices with the Home app

Many third-party devices, such as smart lights and appliances, can be set up and controlled with the Google Home app.

Set up Matter-enabled devices

If your device is Matter-enabled, you can use the Google Home app for setup or connect it from a third-party manufacturer’s app. Refer to Set up, manage, and control Matter-enabled devices with Google Home.

Tip: To confirm your device is Matter-enabled, check for the Matter logo  on the package.

Set up Works with Google Home devices

If your device has the “Works with Google Home” badge on its package, refer to connect third-party smart home devices in the Google Home app. Some third-party devices show their status in the Google Home app, but controls aren’t supported. If controls aren’t available for your device in the Home app, use the device manufacturer’s app for controls.

Seamlessly set up partner devices

Some devices from select partners offer Seamless setup. Check if “Seamless setup with Google Home app” is on your package, manual or website. If so, follow the instructions for Seamless setup.

Operation steps:

b Note:

It is highly recommended that you set a strong password (at least 8 Bit characters, and contain letters, special characters, Arabic numerals). The password needs to be kept properly and modified regularly.

The confidentiality problem needs to be kept safe, and if you forget the login password, you need to modify the password of the super administrator through the confidentiality problem.

IMS 4.0 Client Software User Manual

Super administrators have and can only create one.

The main panel is shown in figure 1-1

Figure 1-1

After the client software runs, it can manage different types of devices, such as adding, editing, deleting devices, etc., and can also operate device configuration, view device status and so on.

A Note:

To avoid management confusion, it is recommended that a device be managed by only one set of client software.

Please use“Admin”Add devices to user identity.

Equipment management is shown in figure 2-1.

Figure 2-1

The list information shown is: serial number, device name, device type, serial number, protocol, IP, online status.

The area information is added to the IMS 4.0 management system, and the area information presents a multi-level tree structure. A default zone is automatically created when the software is first installed.

Operation steps:

Add areas:

Figure 2-2

£ Note:

The new zone name cannot be more than 30 characters long.

Zone names cannot be duplicated at the same level.

Modify the area name.

X Operation steps:

Figure 2-3

The modified area name cannot be more than 30 characters long.

The new zone name cannot be duplicated with other zone names at the same level.

Remove the device from the IMS 4.0 management system.

X Operation steps:

£ Note:

You must ensure that there are no devices in all subareas under the zone node or that

there is no device in all the subareas under the zone node in order to delete the area.

Online devices searched through broadcast packets in a local area network are presented on the search list, which can be sorted by serial number and IPAnd supports the addition ofa single or multiple devices to the client.

Figure 2-4

[search]: start searching for devices.

[stop]: stop searching for devices.

[quick add]: enter the user name and password of the login device and click OK to add the selected device to the device list through the username password entered.

Figure 2-5

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[batch add]: adds the selected device using the searched user name and password.

[all devices]: all online devices are displayed in the list of online devices.

[no device added]: only online devices that have not been added to the IMS 4.0 management system are displayed in the list of online devices.

A Note:

You must add a zone before you can add the searched device to the IMS 4.0 management system.

After the search is complete, you can click the device name or password of a row to modify the device name and password.

The device name can only be entered up to 40 characters.

The device name cannot contain spaces.

The searched device font color is dark to indicate that the device has been added.

After adding the device, if it appearsthe icon

Qindicates that the device was added

successfully,The icon

O indicates that the device failed to add.

Modify the device IP, subnet mask, gateway.

X Operation steps:

4 click [OK].

Figure 2-6

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Modify the device IP, subnet mask, gateway.

X Operation steps:

Figure 2-7

Add the online device to the IMS 4.0 management system by entering IP, port, user name, and password.

X Operation steps:

4 click [OK].

Figure 2-8

£ Note:

You must add a zone before you can search for the device.

The device name can only be entered up to 40 characters.

The device name cannot contain spaces.

When the device is added successfully, the original face database data of the device is

Click on the icon [ 0 ] in the list of devices pop-up window to edit the device information dialog box, you can modify the IP, port, device name, user name, password, area, protocol type, click OK to save.

Figure 2-9

.

Remove the device from the IMS 4.0 management system.

Thank you for using EverFocus CMS. Please carefully read the software user’s manual before operation.

As the software may be updated at any time, the contents of the user’s manual are subject to change without prior notice.

EverFocus has sought to the integrity and accuracy of the contents of the user’s manual during the compilation process and will not be held liable for any errors or omissions. EverFocus reserves the right to change the software mentioned in the user’s manual at any time without prior notice. Thank you for choosing our products. Please carefully read this manual before operation. We assume no economic and legal responsibility for the losses caused by the operation not according to the stipulations.

EverFocus CMS Setup and User Guide

The files for software installing, running, recording and sharpshooting are in the following folders by specific paths.

Software Installation Directory:

The default software installation path is C:\Program Files (x86)\EverFocus\EverFocus CMS. You can define the path for installation.

Requirements for system configuration:

In consideration of the functions and features of the software, we strongly recommend that:

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You can uninstall the software in Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program.

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After installation is finished, a shortcut for EverFocus CMS will be generated on the desktop. Run the program by double clicking the shortcut on the desktop or click Start  All Programs  Everfocus  Everfocus CMS  Everfocus CMS.

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If you exit the system and then restart the system again, the Login window will pop up. By default, users can login the system without a password. To change the password, go to Account Management and modify the admin account.

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To exit the system, on the Top Navigation Bar, click File > Exit.

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In this chapter, we will describe the steps on how to set up the general functions.

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EverFocus CMS is designed with the client-server structure. Users can easily add devices from other servers (client servers) to your server sites.

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Here we use Server A (main server) and Server B (client server) for example. To add devices from Server B to Server A, please follow the steps below:

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3.To manually add devices to the system, click Add Device to bring up the Add Device window. Input the device information. The default media port is 9000, default User Name is “admin”; while default Password is blank. Click Add, the device is now added to the Devices list.

After adding devices to the system, you can display device live streams on the Main View.

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The Control Panel lists all the control functions for users to control their systems. The functions are listed as below. Please refer to each chapter to know more about the functions.

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After adding the devices to the systems, the added devices will be display on the Device List. You can perform some functions on the Device List.

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.	Online	Offline	Preview
Group		–	–
DVR	.	.	–
Camera	.	.	.

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You can perform some functions on the Main View using the Toolbar.

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When the Sequence Mode is activated, the Display Window will display the layout views in sequence. You can configure the Sequence Mode to the Current Main View or Global Main View independently.

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To configure the Sequence Mode:

1.On the Main View, click the Sequence button on the Toolbar to bring up the Sequence Mode Control window.

2.As EverFocus CMS allows users to open a single Main View window (Single-Window) or multiple Main View windows (Multi-Window), you can optionally apply different sequence interval to a

Single-Window or Multi-Window. To set up Multi-Window, please refer to 4.1.2.2 Multi-Window View.

a.Current Main View: If you want to apply the Sequence Mode only to the current Main View window, click the Current Main View button.

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Users can optionally open multiple Main View windows (Multi-Window) and display the windows on different monitors. Up to 4 Main View windows can be opened.

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To open multiple Main View windows:

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On the Main View, click the Alarm button on the lower-left corner to bring up the Alarm Control Panel. All the triggered alarm info will be displayed here.

After setting up the alarm configurations, the triggered alarm will be displayed on the Alarm Control Panel. You can check the Motion Detection, Video Exception, Alarm I/O or PIR checkboxes to display the alarm types. You can also click the Clear Info button to clear the alarm info on this panel.

You can click on the Alarm Snapshot column to display the snapshot image or click on the Alarm Record

column to play back the alarm recording.

To set up Alarm configurations, please refer to 4.11 Alarm Config Management.

You can perform some functions on the Display Window.

Display Window

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On the Display Window, click a channel and the Live Channel Toolbar displays at the bottom of the channel.

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On the Display Window, right-click on a channel, the function window displays.

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Stop Preview: Click to stop displaying the stream

Snapshot: Click to take a snapshot.

Start Record: Click to start manually recording. Click again to stop.

Open PTZ Panel: Click to display the PTZ Control Panel to perform the PTZ function.

Previous Screen: Click to display the previous channel.

Next Screen: Click to display the next channel.

Full Screen: Click to display the Display Window in full screen.

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You can use the PTZ Control Panel to perform some functions of the PTZ camera. On the Display Window, click a PTZ channel to display the Live Channel Toolbar. Click the PTZ button to display the PTZ Control Panel.

Direction Control / Auto Pan Adjust Zoom

Adjust Focus Adjust IRIS

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Adjust PTZ Speed

Preset / Tour Setup

Performing the Preset Positions:

1.Click the Preset button to display the preset set up list.

2.Select a preset number by clicking on the index list, the selected number will be highlighted with a gray background. Up to 255 positions can be set up.

3.Select a viewing position by using the direction control keys and optionally adjust zoom, focus and iris.

4.Click the Set Preset button to set up this preset position.

5.Follow Step1 to Step3 to set up multiple preset positions.

6.To delete a preset number, select a preset number on the index list and then click the Clear Preset

button .

7.To move to a preset point, select a preset number on the index list and then click the Call Preset button

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Performing the Tour Function:

1.Set up the preset positions in advance.

2.Click the Tour button to display the Tour list.

3.Click the Start Tour button to start the Tour function.

4.Click to Stop Tour button to stop the Tour function.

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On the Display Window, click a channel to display the Live Channel Toolbar. Click the Zoom button to use the Digital Zoom function.

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To perform the Digital Zoom function:

On the Control Panel, click the Remote Playback button to display the Remote Playback window. You can remotely play back the recordings stored in the DVRs or NVRs.

To start playing back:

Note that if using smart search function, you need to choose mainstream and click Motion or General to search individual.

Playback Control Panel

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Previous Period

Play

Pause

Slow  Full

Forward  Screen

Quad

View  16-Division

Stop

Fast Forward

Single View

9-Division

Sound

Next Period

Time Span

Playback Channel Control Bar

On the Remote Playback window, click a channel to display the Playback Channel Control Bar, which is located at the bottom of the channel. Note that to control a single channel playback, disable the Synchronous Playback function.

Play

Pause  Slow

Forward Step

Snapshot  Sound

Forward  Forward

To download recording files:

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You can add devices or group the added devices using the Group Device Management page (Control Panel

> Group Device Management).

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【Devices  Panel】

You can use the left-side Devices panel to add, modify or delete devices; or remotely control the DVRs. To add devices, please refer to 3.3.2 Adding Devices and Grouping Devices.

You can also use the device icons to modify devices.

Modify: Click to modify the device info.

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Delete: Click to delete the device.

Remote Config: Click to enter the Remote Configuration page to configure the Device settings remotely. About the configurations, please refer to the User’s Manual of the device.

Groups  Panel

You can use the right-side Groups panel to group the added devices from the Devices panel. You can select different channels from different DVRs to a group. To group devices, please refer to 3.3.2 Adding Devices and Grouping Devices.

You can search log information of the connected devices using the Local Log Search page (Control Panel > Local Log Search).

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To search log information:

If you are the admin account, you can add multiple user accounts and grant privileges to each account using the Account Management page (Control Panel > Account Management).

Admin: By default, the admin account has full privileges. The admin account cannot be deleted and only the password can be changed. By default, the password of the admin account is blank. To change the password, click the admin account on the list and then click the Modify button. Input the password and then click Save. Only the Admin account can add, edit or delete user accounts.

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To add a user account:

To modify the user privileges:

To delete a user account:

You can view the snapshots and recordings stored in the computer using the File Management page (Control Panel > File Management).

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To search for local snapshot images:

1.Click the Snapshot tab.

2.Select the filter items on the above field.

Search From: Select a source. Select Added Channel(s) to search for snapshots from the channels on the Device List. Select Deleted Channel(s) to search for snapshots from the deleted channels.

Start / End Time: Select a time range.

3.If Added Channel(s) is selected from the Search From drop-down list, you can select the desired channel, device or group from the Device List by clicking on it, the selected item will be highlighted with a green background.

4.Click the Search button, the search results will be displayed.

5.You can double-click on the image to display the image.

6.To delete or download the images on the list, click to select multiple images using the Ctrl key. The selected images will be highlighted with an orange frame. Click the Delete button to delete the selected images or click the Save button to download the selected images to your computer.

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The downloaded images can be viewed using the internal player, please refer to 5.1.1 Open Captured Snapshots.

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To search for local recordings:

1.Click the Video tab.

2.Select the filter items on the above field.

Search From: Select a source. Select Added Channel(s) to search for recordings from the channels on the Device List. Select Deleted Channel(s) to search for recordings from the deleted channels.

Start / End Time: Select a time range.

3.If Added Channel(s) is selected from the Search From drop-down list, you can select the desired channel, device or group from the Device List by clicking on it, the selected item will be highlighted with a green background.

4.Click the Search button, the search results will be displayed.

5.You can double-click on the thumbnail image to play back the recording.

6.To delete or download the recordings on the list, click to select multiple recordings using the Ctrl key. The selected recordings will be highlighted with an orange frame. Click the Delete button to delete the selected recordings or click the Save button to download the selected recordings to your computer.

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The downloaded recordings can be viewed using the internal player, please refer to 5.1.2 Open Video File.

You can configure some basic system settings, select the storage locator or set up the alarm sound using the System Configuration page (Control Panel > System Configuration).

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You can configure general system configurations on this page.

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Language: Select a language.

Log Keeping Time: Select a keeping time range for log.

Enable Auto Login: Check the box to enable auto login. Users can login without inputting user name and password.

Resume Live View Status: When starting the system, the previous live view status/layout will be automatically resumed.

Server/Client: You can configure the system to be a server or client and then add devices from the client sites to your server site. Please refer to 3.3.1 Adding Devices from Other Servers (Client Servers).

You can configure the storage paths for recordings or snapshot images.

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Recording Path: Select a storage path for the recordings.

Snapshots Stored Path: Select a storage path for the snapshot images.

Download Record Type: Select a video format for the downloaded recordings. MP4 or AVI.

Trigger alarm when disk space is less than xxx MB: Input a number in the input box. When the available disk space is less than then setup capacity, the alarm message will appear. The default setting is 600MB. The minimum value is 500MB.

You can customize the alarm sound when Motion, Video Exception or Alarm events occur.

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1.Click the button to select an audio file (wav).

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2.You can click the  button to play the audio file.

3.Click Save to save the settings.

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Click the Default can restore the alarm sound to default alarm sound.

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On the Control Panel, click the Local Playback button to display the Local Playback window. You can play back the recordings stored in the computer. Note that for this function to work, you have to configure the record schedule in advance. Please refer to 4.10 Local Record Management.

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To start playing back:

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Playback Control Panel

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Previous Period

Pause

Slow Forward

Full Screen

Sound

Fast

Switch

Play

Stop

Forward  Layout

Next Period

Time Span

Playback Channel Control Bar

On the Playback window, click a channel to display the Playback Channel Control Bar, which is located at the bottom of the channel. Note that to control a single channel playback, disable the Synchronous Playback function.

4.10Local Record Management

On the Control Panel, click the Local Record Management button to display the Local Record Management window. You can configure multiple record schedules to record the streams in your computer.

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After setting up the Record Schedule (refer to 4.10.2 Record Schedule), you will have to select a storage path and desired camera streams to activate the schedule recording

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You can configure multiple schedules to record the camera streams in your computer. Click the Record Schedule tab to enter the Record Schedule page.

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On the Control Panel, click the Alarm Config Management button to display the Alarm Config Management window. You can configure the alarm actions once receive the alarm data from the DVR end.

For the Alarm function to work, you will have to configure the below settings in advance.

You can use the Top Navigation Bar to quickly enter to a setup page or perform some functions.

5.1File

You can view the downloaded images using the internal player by clicking Open Captured Snapshots. To download snapshot images to your computer, please refer to 4.6.1 Local Snapshot Search.

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1.Click Open Captured Snapshots and then select an image file, the file will be displayed.

2.To display another snapshot image, click the drop-down button to select another image file.

You can play back the downloaded recordings using the internal player by clicking Open Video File. To download the recordings to your computer, please refer to 4.6.2 Local Recording Search.

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5.2.1Lock

You can click Lock to lock the system and the system will not be operated. To unlock the system, select a user and input the password to login.

You can click Switch User to select another user account to login the system.

Click System Configuration to enter the System Configuration page. Please refer to 4.7 System Configuration.

Select a desired screen resolution of the EverFocus CMS by clicking the options. The options include 1024×768, 1280×1024, 1920×1080, Full Screen.

Click to enter the Control Panel page. Please refer to 4. Control Panel.

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Click to enter the Main View page. Please refer to 4.1 Main View.

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Click to enter the Remote Playback page. Please refer to 4.2 Remote Playback.

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Click to enter the Local Record Management page. Please refer to 4.10 Local Record Management.

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Click to enter the Local Playback page. Please refer to 4.9 Local Playback.

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Click to enter the E-Map Management page. Please refer to 4.8 E-Map Management.

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Click to enter the Account Management page. Please refer to 4.5 Account Management.

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Click to enter the Group Device Management page. Please refer to 4.3 Group Device Management.

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Click Open Wizard to open the Wizard window. Please refer to 3.1.1 Start-up Wizard.

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Click About to display the EverFocus CMS version info.

Lorex 4K Outdoor Camera

SecureScore™: 9.2/10

Lorex has a camera for every budget and security requirement. Their top-of-the-line 4K surveillance cameras now come with state-of-the-art facial recognition — as long as you have a local recording device.

View Packages Links to Lorex

Wyze Cam v3

SecureScore™: 8.7/10

The Wyze Cam v3 is one of the cheapest top models we’ve tested. Now, with advanced face recognition and professional monitoring, it’s a true powerhouse.

View on Amazon Links to Amazon

Nest Cam

SecureScore™: 8.5/10

The Nest Cam is our definition of hassle-free smart home security. It’s also one of the first DIY cameras to offer AI-powered facial recognition backed by Google.

View on Amazon Links to Amazon

Editor’s Note: Facial recognition cameras can be on the pricier side, and it’s not always worth the money. We highly recommend vetting a camera based on the overall performance of its home security system. Check out our best home security systems page to learn more.

Once upon a time, a home security system was an alarm and a sensor. A thief tripped the alarm and wham! The alarm went off and he skedaddled. The idea worked, but without affordable hi-res security cameras, we were more or less blind.

All of that changed when DIY home security systems hit the scene. Brands like SimpliSafe, Lorex, and Ring introduced cameras that could pick up a ketchup stain from 25 feet away in the dark. Today, with the right facial recognition software under the hood, the very best home security cameras have gone one step further. Forget ketchup stains; these heavy hitters can tell us when Fred the UPS man is standing at our door.

While face recognition is certainly a huge advance in smart home security, not every camera offers the feature yet or gets it right. Here are our picks for this year’s top home security cameras with face recognition. After you’ve checked out our best-of list, scroll all the way down for the factors to look for when shopping for your next AI-equipped surveillance camera.

How Facial Recognition Works

Many of us are already familiar with facial recognition. We’ve used it to unlock our phones. In the case of our personal devices, the logistics are simple — one user, one photo.

If we scale up a bit to our home security systems, our surveillance cameras might have a database of 15 “friendly faces” they need to learn to recognize. After that — a lot after that — would be an entity like the FBI, which, according to the ACLU, has a facial recognition database of over 640 million of (our) faces.2

No matter the scale, the principle is the same. It works like this.

FYI: Despite what we’ve been seeing in Hollywood sci-fi films for years, 2D, not 3D, is what law enforcement uses for most face recognition. That’s because their databases are filled with 2D photos.

Face Recognition: 4 Things You Should Look for in a Home Security Camera

Face recognition is evolving rapidly, but it isn’t perfect yet. Considering its limitations at present, you should pay special attention to the following four factors and features when shopping for a camera equipped with an AI helper.

Night Vision Quality

The smartest cameras aren’t very good at identifying infrared images. So, if you’re counting on your security camera to keep watch over your property at night, look for a model that has color night vision. Lorex and Google’s Nest Cam (scroll up) both offer this feature. If you can do without facial recognition, Blink cameras and certain Arlo models have color night vision, too.

Streaming Speeds

A powerful ultra HD camera, like the Lorex 4K or the Reolink RLC-810A, won’t help you out much if your internet is slow. Those crisp, high-def faces will turn into a grainy soup on your app. Keep that in mind before you put facial recognition at the top of your home security shopping list.

Two-Way Audio

Ok, so a stranger is standing on your porch. You know because your brand new 4K eufyCam 3 with color night vision told you. Now what? Now you want to get them off your porch! To do that, you need something called two-way audio, which essentially turns your camera, or video doorbell, into a powerful walkie-talkie. This is a pretty common feature, but double check that your next AI-powered surveillance camera has it before you click purchase.

Cloud Storage Plans

Video storage might not be your top concern when shopping for a security camera, but there are situations where it matters. Take the Nest Cam, for instance. Without a paid storage plan, you get three hours of footage, which means that at six in the morning, anything you recorded at midnight will be gone. So, if facial recognition is a priority, choose a storage plan that lets you use it.

Pro Tip: If you’re wary of having your security footage uploaded to the cloud, and potentially being used by law enforcement or worse, choose a camera with local storage options, like Lorex or Eufy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re thinking about facial recognition for your next security camera, you’re thinking in the right direction. Pretty soon many of our neighbors are going to be using cameras with AI to tighten their circles of trust.

But there are concerns. Not everybody wants to have their photo filed away in a mini security database, for instance.3 That’s the ethical dimension. Technically, to run face recognition now, you need a high-res camera, above-average internet speeds, and a cloud storage/monitoring plan. In other words, it isn’t going to be cheap.

That said, you can find reasonably-priced cameras equipped to identify friendly faces, and our top picks are a great starting point.

FAQs

Alternative Article

The Best Facial Recognition Cameras of 2025: Smarter Security for Your Home

As we advance through 2025, security cameras are no longer just passive recorders; they have become intelligent guardians of our homes. The most significant leap in this evolution is the refinement of facial recognition technology. Today’s top cameras can distinguish between family members, friends, delivery personnel, and unknown strangers, dramatically reducing false alarms and providing you with highly specific, actionable alerts.

This guide breaks down the best facial recognition cameras on the market in 2025, helping you choose the right model for your security needs.

Top Picks for the Best Facial Recognition Cameras in 2025

After a thorough analysis of expert reviews, user feedback, and technological advancements, here are the standout facial recognition cameras of the year.

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In-Depth Look at the Top Contenders

1. Google Nest Cam (2nd Gen): The Smartest Face in the Crowd

Google’s Nest Cam continues to dominate the facial recognition space in 2025. Its Familiar Faces feature, part of the Nest Aware subscription, is arguably the most accurate and user-friendly on the market. It excels at learning who belongs at your home and who doesn’t, sending you specific alerts like “Jane is at the door.” With improved on-device processing, the 2nd Gen model can differentiate between people, animals, and vehicles even without a subscription, though Familiar Faces requires one. The camera’s 1080p HDR video and seamless integration with the Google Home ecosystem make it the top choice for those seeking intelligent, reliable security.

2. Arlo Pro 5S 2K: Power, Flexibility, and Precision

For those who want a premium, wire-free experience, the Arlo Pro 5S 2K is a top-tier option. While its facial recognition requires an Arlo Secure subscription, the system is powerful and allows for a high degree of customization. The camera’s standout features include stunning 2K HDR video, color night vision, and an integrated spotlight that deters intruders. Its dual-band Wi-Fi support ensures a more stable connection, a common pain point for wireless cameras. If you want a flexible, high-performance camera that works well with multiple smart home platforms, the Arlo Pro 5S is an excellent investment.

3. eufyCam S330 (eufy Edge Security System): Subscription-Free Intelligence

Eufy’s commitment to privacy and local storage makes the eufyCam S330 system a compelling choice. Its BionicMind™ AI runs on the included HomeBase 3, meaning your facial recognition data is stored locally, not in the cloud. The system learns and becomes more accurate over time, and crucially, this advanced feature is available without any mandatory monthly fees. With crystal-clear 4K resolution and integrated solar panels on the cameras for “Everlasting Power,” this system is ideal for users who want top-of-the-line features without long-term subscription costs.

4. Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2: The Smartest Welcome

While many Ring products offer person detection, the Video Doorbell Pro 2 takes it to the next level with advanced motion and alert features. Integrated with the Amazon ecosystem, it uses its powerful hardware to provide highly accurate person alerts right out of the box. Its unique 3D Motion Detection and Bird’s Eye View features allow you to pinpoint exactly where and when an event occurred on your property. For those invested in Alexa and seeking the best front-door security with reliable person identification, the Pro 2 is the clear winner.

Key Considerations Before Buying a Facial Recognition Camera

Wi-Fi Best Practices (Amcrest Smart Home)

Most Wi-FiAmcrest Smart Home devices have a communication distance of up to 164ft (open field) however if you notice the device is going offline regularly or becomes unresponsive your network and the location of the device may play a huge role in its ability to function properly. For more information on location and how it affects a Wi-Fi device, please refer to the information provided below.

Location: How far is the device is from the wireless router.

Range Limiting Factors

Reflection: The signal reflects back.	Scattering: The signal scatters back into multiple new signals.	Refraction: The signal bends as it travels through an object (e.g. glass window).	Diffraction: The signal changes direction as it passes around an object.	Attenuation: The signal strength weakens as it passes through an object.

Wi-Fi signal strength decreases as it passes through different types of material. Try to position your wireless camera and receiver where the signal does not pass through metal or concrete blocks, which can significantly reduce signal strength (as shown in the information provided below).

Plastic & Wood: 10 – 30%

Brick: 30 – 50%

Concrete Cinder Blocks: 50 – 70%

Metal & Metal Cladding: 70 – 90%

Note: Signals that must pass through wet or moist materials (e.g. shrubs and trees) may be significantly reduced.

Using Amcrest Smart Home Products with Amcrest View Pro

Amcrest Smart Home devices such as deterrent cameras, doorbells, or other related Amcrest Smart Home devices, excluding battery cameras and doorbells are capable of connecting to both the Amcrest Smart Home app as well as the Amcrest View Pro app.

However, since Amcrest Smart Home devices function primarily on a cloud-based platform setting up an Amcrest Smart Home device to the Amcrest View Pro app will result in only live view being available and must be set up first using the Amcrest Smart Home app. If using push notifications, please make sure push notifications settings are established in the Amcrest Smart Home app, prior to adding the device to view pro. For more information on activating push notifications, click here.

For more information on how to add your specific device using the Amcrest Smart Home app, please refer to the Quick Start Guide for your specific device.

If you would like to view your Amcrest Smart Home devices using the Amcrest View Pro app, please refer to the information provided below.

Adding an Amcrest Smart Home Device to Amcrest View Pro

Please make sure your mobile device and Amcrest Smart Home device are connected to the same network during setup.

Step 1: Open the Amcrest View Pro app.

Step 2:  Tap on the Settings ( ) icon in the upper left corner and tap on Device Manager. Then tap on Add Device.

Step 3: Tap on Search Device.

Step 4: Select your Amcrest Smart Home device from the Device List. Tap on Connection Type to continue.

Step 5: Tap on P2P Setup

Step 6: Enter a name for your camera in the Device Name field and enter the password for your device in the Password (default is admin) field. The password used in this field will be the password originally set for the camera in the Amcrest Smart Home app.  Tap Start Live View to continue.

Your Amcrest Smart Home device has now been added to your Amcrest View Pro app.

Note: Live view features such as, microphone, speaker, etc will be available in the Amcrest View Pro app. Other features such as playback, configuration, etc will not be available. To access and use these settings, please use the Amcrest Smart Home app.

How To Setup Alexa Using Amcrest Smart Home (Updated)

Many of our Amcrest Smart Home devices, such as the Wi-Fi doorbell camera and other devices, are compatible with Amazon Alexa devices that support video streaming. To use Alexa with our devices the device must be setup first in the Amcrest Smart Home app before you can set it up in Alexa.

Note: The name of the device on your Amcrest Smart Home account will be the name used to view your device on Alexa.

Note: Certain Alexa devices such as the Echo Show 5 only support cameras up to 1080P resolution. Cameras set at a higher resolution above 1080P may experience issues connecting to Alexa.

For a brief guide on how to connect your Amcrest Smart Home camera to a supported Amazon Alexa device, please follow the instructions below:

Step 1: Ensure your Alexa device has completed its initial setup including synchronization with your Amazon account.

Step 2: Download the Amazon Alexa app from the Apple App store or Google Play Store and sign in using your Amazon Alexa account.

Step 3: Click the “+” icon and select Add Device.

Step 4: In the Device Type or brand search bar, enter Amcrest and select an applicable option.

Step 5: Check that your camera is powered on and already added into the Amcrest Smart Home app, if so tap Yes. If you need to make sure your camera can be properly controlled by the Amcrest Smart Home app, click Go to the Amcrest app to verify, select Yes when complete.

Step 6: Allow Alexa to discover your new device, click Next and follow the prompts to complete setup.

How to Upgrade/Downgrade Amcrest Smart Home Firmware Manually Using the Amcrest IP Config Tool

The firmware for your device can be upgraded or downgraded manually using the Amcrest IP Config tool. This process must be performed using a Windows or Mac OS computer/laptop and must be connected to the same network as the Amcrest Smart Home device. Before proceeding, please make sure your device is still connected to the same network as the device that is using the Amcrest IP Config tool. To download the Amcrest IP Config tool, click here

Note: Performing this process manually will be at your own risk. For access to the latest or previous firmware versions, please visit amcrest.com/firmware-ash.

For more information on how to manually upgrade the firmware, please refer to the information provided below.

Step 1: Locate the .bin file for your specific device by visiting amcrest.com/firmware-ash

Step 2: Open the IP config tool, select your device and click Login.

Step 3: Enter the username and password for your device and click OK.

Step 4: Click on the Upgrade tab.

Step 5: Click Open File and access the .bin file and click Upgrade.

Allow the device to upgrade, the device will go offline and reboot. Once the reboot is finished the device will come back online (solid green LED) and you will be able to access the device again.

How To Externally Format a MicroSD Card to FAT32

How To Externally Format a MicroSD card

If you are unable to format your microSD card using the Amcrest Smart Home app you can also format it using the GUI format tool provided in the link below.

(80 KB)

Note: A microSD adapter or USB microSD card reader will be required to read the MicroSD card on your computer. Mac users, click here.

Step 1: Download and load the GUI Format Tool.

Step 2: Insert your SD card into your computer and allow the program to read the card.

Note: Uncheck the Quick Format checkbox if you would like a full format of the SD card. Formatting the SD card will remove all information and data from the card and format the card to FAT32.

Step 3: Click Start in the FAT32 Format menu and allow the program to format the card. Click OK to continue.

Step 4: Allow the program to finish formatting the SD card. When finished, click the Close button to close the program.

The microSD card has now been properly formatted to FAT32. Remove the microSD card and insert it into your device.

Amcrest Smart Home App Icons Explained

See below for a chart that details what each icon of the Amcrest Smart Home app:

How to Disable the Indicator Light on Your Amcrest Smart Home Camera

The Indicator light on your camera can be disabled or enabled using the Amcrest Smart Home app. For more information, please refer to the information provided below.

Step 1: Log in to the app and access your device.

Step 2: Tap on the Settings icon.

Step 3: Scroll down to the Indicator Light toggle switch and tap to disable it.

Note: If your device does not have an indicator light toggle switch, tap on Video Settings, then slide your finger on the carousel and locate the Indicator Light icon. Tap the Indicator Light icon to disable the indicator light. To enable the indicator light, tap the icon again.

How to Recover a Password for Your Amcrest Smart Home Account

If you have forgotten the password for your Amcrest Smart Home account and would like to recover the password, please refer to the information provided below. Please note, during the process, a verification code will need to be sent to the email address used for your Amcrest Smart Home account. Please make sure you have access to this email address before starting the password recovery process.

Step 1: Open the Amcrest Smart Home app and tap Forgot Password.

Step 2: Enter the email address for your Amcrest Smart Home account and tap Send Verification Code.

Step 3: Navigate to your email and locate the verification code email. Enter the verification code into the app and tap OK.

Note: There is a 60-second window to enter the verification code into the app. If a new verification code is needed, tap on the Resend button to allow the app to send another verification code to your email.

Step 4: Enter a new password into the app and confirm the password in the next field. Tap OK.

The new password has been applied to your Amcrest Smart Home account. Please remember this password as it will be required to access your Amcrest Smart Home account.

Accessing Amcrest Smart Home Products Using RTSP

Some applications or viewing tools can use Real Time Streaming Protocol or RTSP to pull a device’s stream. This requires a specifically formatted URL. Please note, not all Amcrest Smart Home devices, such as the AB2WFSET will be compatible with RTSP streaming.

URL: rtsp://admin:password@IPAddress:554/cam/realmonitor?channel=1&subtype=0&authbasic=64

Please note, the admin and password portions of the URL will be the username and password of the CAMERA not the username and password of the account.

RTSP URL Breakdown

The bracketed items are variables that you need to input according to your setup. Explanations of each variable are given below.

rtsp:// – The RTSP protocol

[admin] – username of the camera/device
[password] – password of the camera/device
[IP address] – IP address of the camera/device. If you are not on the same local network, this should be the external IP address of the device’s network.
[port] – RTSP port number

[channel] – channel number of the stream

[stream] – main or sub stream (use “main” (01) for main stream and “sub” for substream (0)

[authbasic] – basic authentication for the stream (64).

Using VLC Media Player to Access an Amcrest Smart Home Device on RTSP?

Before proceeding, please ensure the device is properly added to the Amcrest Smart Home app, powered on, and the computer you are using is on the same network as the device. For information on how to set up your device on the Amcrest Smart Home app, please refer to the quick start guide provided with your specific device.

Step 1: Download the Amcrest IP config tool. To access the Amcrest IP config tool, please visit: http://amcrest.com/downloads

Step 2: Open the Amcrest IP config tool and locate the IP address for your Amcrest Smart Home device.

Please note, the IP address represented in the above image is for reference purposes only. The IP address for your specific device may be different depending on the network.

Step 3: Lauch the VLC Media Player

Step 4: In the toolbar, click on Media, then click on Open Network Stream to display the open-source window.

Note: The open network stream menu can also be opened by pressing Ctrl-N while the VLC player is opened.

Step 4: Enter the RTSP protocol into the Network Protocol field and fill in the information into the URL.

rtsp://admin:password@IPAddress:554/cam/realmonitor?channel=1&subtype=0&authbasic=64

Click Play.

You can now begin streaming your camera live.

How to Register an Amcrest Smart Home Account

How to Register an Amcrest Smart Home Account

Registering an Amcrest Smart Home account is easy using the Amcrest Smart Home app. The Amcrest Smart Home app can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play Store.

Registering an account allows you to begin adding your Amcrest Smart Home devices into the app. Please note, if you currently have a Zencam Security account already, registration to the Amcrest Smart Home app is not necessary as these accounts will share the same credentials. If you have a Zencam account, simply download the Amcrest Smart Home app and enter your Zencam login information into the Amcrest Smart Home app to access your account.

For more information on how to register a Amcrest Smart Home account, please refer to the information provided below.

Step 1: Download the Amcrest Smart Home app from the App Store or Google Play Store and open the app. On the main screen, tap on Register.

Step 2: Select the region in which you reside and tap Next to continue.

Step 3: Enter a valid email address and tap the “I have read and agreed” check box. The “Send Verification Code” option will appear. This will be the code needed to register your account. Tap Send Verification Code.

Step 4: Check the email address you entered for the verification code. Enter the verification code into the app and tap OK to continue. Please note, the verification code will only be valid up to 15 minutes.

Step 5: Enter a password for your account into the app and confirm the password in the next field. Set a password with a combination of 8 – 32 letters and numbers. The password will be case sensitive. Tap OK to continue.

Your Amcrest Smart Home account has been registered successfully. You will now be able to begin adding devices to your account. For more information on how to add your specific Amcrest Smart Home device, please refer to the Quick Start Guide included with your device.

How to Download a MicroSD card Recording

How to Download a MicroSD Card Recording

Recordings in the Amcrest Smart Home app can be downloaded to your phone through the Amcrest Smart Home cloud or from a microSD card. For more information on how to download recordings from the Amcrest Smart Home cloud, click here.

A microSD card must manually be inserted into the device to retain and download motion events. For more information on how to download a microSD card recording, please refer to the information provided below.

Step 1: Log into your Amcrest Smart Home account and select your device from the Devices menu.

Step 2: Tap on “MicroSD Card”.

Step 3: Tap on the File List icon (  ) located in the Cloud playback interface.

Step 4: Select the recording you wish to download from the file list.

Step 5: Tap the download icon (  ) to download the recording.

The recording will begin to download.

A blue checkmark ( ) will appear next to the download icon once the recording has finished downloading. You can also share your recordings directly to other services on your smartphone via the share icon (  ) located in the middle of the download menu. Please note, the recording must be downloaded to the app first in order to share them.

Exporting the Recording to the Mobile Device

Recordings downloaded from the microSD card will be downloaded to the Downloads List folder. The Downloads List folder can be found in the Account menu.

Step 1: Exit the interface to access the main menu. Click Account.

Step 2: Click on Downloads List.

Step 3: Click on the Folder icon.

Step 4: Tap on the Export icon.

The event will be downloaded to the photo or gallery section on your phone.

How to Format a MicroSD card Using the Amcrest Smart Home App

How to Format a MicroSD card Using the Amcrest Smart Home App

A microSD card can be formatted using the Amcrest Smart Home app. This will clear all data on the microSD card and format the microSD card to FAT32. Formatting the microSD card is performed via the storage status menu in the app.

The storage status menu displays any current cloud or microSD card storage options applicable for your device. This option also allows you view current cloud subscriptions applicable to your device as well as format a microSD card right from your smartphone. For more information on how to format the microSD card, please refer to the information provided below.

Note: A microSD card can be formatted externally as well if needed. For more information on how to format a microSD card externally, click here.

Step 1: tap on the settings icon () on the live view screen. Tap on the Storage Status option located in the settings menu.

Step 2: The microSD card storage capacity will be displayed in this menu. If no microSD card is being read by the device the status will be “Disabled”. To format the microSD card, tap on “Format Storage
Device”.

How to Set a Motion Detection Schedule Using Amcrest Smart Home

How to Set a Motion Detection Schedule Using Amcrest Smart Home

A motion schedule allows you to set the device to begin recording motion detection events at a designated time. This is useful if you would like the device to only start detecting motion during specific times of the day. If you would like the device to record motion 24/7 you can leave the schedule as default. However, for more information on how to set a motion schedule, please refer to the information provided below.

Step 1: Log into the Amcrest Smart Home app and access your device.

Step 2: Tap on the Settings icon (  ).

Step 3: Tap on Motion Detection.

Step 4: Tap on Motion Schedule.

Step 5: Tap on the day of the week you wish to modify. If you are setting a schedule for multiple days of the week this can be done later in the interface.

Step 6: Tap on “Add Schedule”.

Step 7: Tap on “Start Time” and use the scroll option to select a time you want the motion schedule to start. Note: In this example we will be setting the start time to 6am (0600).

Step 8: Tap on “End Time” and use the scroll option to select a time you want the motion schedule to stop. In this example we will be setting the stop time to 5pm (1700). Tap on the back arrow ( Tap on “Repeat” to choose which days of the week you would like the motion schedule to apply. A green check mark will be displayed next to the active days. Tap on the back arrow (  ) to exit.

Step 9: Tap on “Repeat” to choose which days of the week you would like the motion schedule to apply.

A blue check mark will be displayed next to the active days.

Tap on the back arrow (  ) to exit.

Note: Motion schedules cannot overlap.

Step 10: Tap on the “Save” button to save your motion schedule. To add additional motion schedules, you can tap on Add Schedule and repeat the setup process.

Tap on the back arrow (  ) to exit.

How To Turn Off the IR LEDs

How To Turn Off the IR LEDs

Disabling the IR LEDs will result in night vision being disabled on your device. This function can be enabled or disabled using the Amcrest Smart Home app. Please note, certain Amcrest Smart Home devices, such as the Wi-Fi Doorbell camera and battery camera do not support this function. For more information on how to turn off the IR LEDs, please refer to the information provided below.

Step 1: Log into your Amcrest Smart Home account via the Amcrest Smart Home app.

Step 2: Select your device from the Devices menu.

Step 3: Tap on the Settings (  ) icon.

Step 4: Tap on Video Settings.

Step 5: Tap on the Night (  ) icon to turn the IR LEDs off and disable night vision.

Note: To turn the IR LEDs back on, tap on the Night (  ) icon again to enable night vision.

How To Delete a Device from the Amcrest Smart Home App

How To Delete a Device from the Amcrest Smart Home App

Deleting a device from the Amcrest Smart Home app will remove the device completely from your Amcrest Smart Home account. This is highly recommended if you are performing a factory reset on your device or need to remove the device from your specific account. For more information on how to delete a device from the Amcrest Smart Home app, please refer to the information provided below.

Step 1: Log into the Amcrest Smart Home app and select the device you want to delete from the Devices menu.

Step 2: Tap on the Settings (  ) icon.

Step 3: Scroll down to the bottom of the Settings page and tap on Delete Device.

Step 4: Confirm if you would like to keep or delete your cloud recordings after the device has been deleted. To keep the recordings, tap the “Keep Recordings” check box. Tap Delete to confirm.

The device has now been unbound and deleted from your Amcrest Smart Home account.

Unable to Get an SSID?

Unable to Get an SSID?

If you are having issues obtaining an SSID when adding your device into the Amcrest Smart Home app there may be a miscommunication happening between the app and your mobile device. This appears to be a more common situation among iOS users and we are currently working with Apple to device a solution. There is an easy fix you can use to resolve the issue. For more information on how to resolve this issue, please refer to the information provided below.

If the SSID for your Wi-Fi network is not pulling up in the app when attempting to add your Amcrest Smart Home device, close the app completely then power your mobile device off and back on again allowing it to restart.

Once your mobile device has finished restarting, ensure your mobile device is connected to the proper Wi-Fi network, open the Amcrest Smart Home app and continue to add your device as normal. The SSID for your network should populate allowing you to complete the setup process. For more information on how to properly add your device please refer to the included quick start guide provided with your device.

How To Verify/Update Firmware

How To Verify/Update Firmware

All firmware verification and updates will be available using the Amcrest Smart Home app. For more information on how to verify/update the firmware for your camera, please refer to the information provided below.

Step 1: Log into your Amcrest Smart Home account and select your device from the Devices menu.

Step 3: Once you are logged in, tap on the settings (  ) icon.

Step 4: In the settings menu,  locate the “Firmware Update” tab. If a firmware update is necessary there will be a red indication identifier prompting you that a firmware upgrade is ready. If there is not a red dot, you are operating on the most up to date firmware.

If you need to update the firmware, tap on the “Firmware Update” tab to proceed with the update.

Step 5: In the firmware update menu, you will notice the current version of firmware that is on your camera, and the latest firmware file that will be downloaded to your camera. To proceed with the update, please click on “Update”.

Step 6: You will then be promoted to upgrade the firmware. Tap Cloud Upgrade to begin. If you wish to cancel to process tap Cancel.

Step 7: The firmware file will begin to download from that point. Please wait for the download and upload of the file to complete its processes.

Once the process is complete, there see a prompt letting you know that the firmware has successfully updated, and the current version is now updated on your device.

How To Activate An Amcrest Smart Home Cloud Account

How To Activate An Amcrest Smart Home Cloud Account

Amcrest Smart Home cloud is an optional premium cloud storage option provided exclusively for Amcrest Smart Home products. Amcrest Smart Home products are not compatible with traditional Amcrest Cloud accounts and will require activation specifically through the Amcrest Smart Home app. For more information on how to activate an Amcrest Smart Home Cloud account, please refer to the information provided below.

Step 1: Log into your Amcrest Smart Home app and select the device you wish to activate.

Step 2: On the live view screen tap on Cloud Recordings.

Step 3: Tap on Activate Cloud Storage.

Step 4: Select a Cloud Storage plan from the list of cloud plans and tap Buy

Note: Currently, we only offer motion detection storage plans. Continuous recording plans are currently not available for Amcrest Smart Home cloud plans.

Step 5: Enter your billing information into the billing form. All plans will require a credit card to process the request.

After you have purchased your Smart Home cloud account you will be able to store and view your recordings all from the Cloud Recordings menu. Additionally, you can change your plan, update your payment method, as well as cancel a subscription right from the app.

Note: Any plan changes made to your account will only take place at the end of your current billing cycle.

How To Share/Remove a User

How To Share/Remove a User

Device sharing allows you to add specific Amcrest Smart Home users to share the live feed of your added device.  When you add a shared user, the shared user will have access to your camera and features such as live viewing, recording, playback, and two-way audio. If you would like to proceed with the device sharing process please follow the step by step instructions provided in this article.

Note: The maximum users allowed on a shared account is 6 users.

Step 1: Log into your camera via the Amcrest Smart Home app.

Step 2: Once you are logged in, access your device and select the settings (  ) icon in the upper right hand corner.

Step 3: In the settings menu, please click on “Device Sharing”.

Step 4: In the device sharing menu, tap on, “Add a Shared User”.

Step 5: In the Add Shared User menu, enter a registered Amcrest Smart Home account email you would like to share your device with. Once you have entered the email press the Save icon (  ) located in the upper right hand corner.

Step 6: Once you have pressed Save icon, you will be prompted whether or not you would like to add the shared user to your device. If you would like to proceed with the process, please press “OK”, if not, there is also an option to cancel the process.

Removing a Shared User

To remove the shared user from your device, tap on the “Remove” button.

Then tap on the Remove option to remove the shared user from your device.

The shared user can then log into their Amcrest Smart Home account and view the recently shared device by tapping on the device located in their devices menu.

How To View MicroSD Card Recordings

Please ensure you are using a class 10 or above microSD card that does not exceed the storage limitation of your device. The microSD card must be formatted to FAT32. This may have to be done manually as most programs do not format to this allocation automatically. For more information on how to format your microSD card to FAT32, click here

When a microSD card is inserted into the device, all motion based recordings will be stored to it. Additionally, if you have a Amcrest Smart Home Cloud account, recordings will be stored both on the cloud and microSD card. To view recordings from the microSD card, open the Amcrest Smart Home app and access your device.

On the live view screen, tap on the “MicroSD Card” menu located at the bottom right of the screen.

In the MicroSD card menu you will notice a list of recordings. Recordings can be accessed and viewed based on the date the motion occurred and can be found by tapping on the calendar menu in the app.

Select which day you would like to access from the calendar. You will notice a list of events located in the event timeline. To view the event, tap on the play button. You can also use the timeline to adjust and view specific events based on that time.

Note: All motion detection recordings will occur back to back in the interface which allows the device to capture all events without the use of a cool down period.

How To Activate Push Notifications Using Amcrest Smart Home

Push notifications, are events sent to your phone which let you know a motion or other event has been detected by the camera. These actions can range from a motion event being detected by your device by a call coming through from someone using your Amcrest WiFi doorbell.

Note: If you are adding your device in the Amcrest View Pro app, please make sure to enable push notifications using the Amcrest Smart Home app directly, not the view pro app.

Activating Push Notifications

Push notifications should be on by default, however, can be turned enabled or disabled using the Amcrest Smart Home app. These settings are device based and can be disabled or enabled per device associated with your Amcrest Smart Home account. To turn push notifications on or off, log into your Amcrest Smart app and select the device and click on the settings icon.

Scroll down and locate the push notification toggle switch. This option allows you to enable or disable push notifications for your device.

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